Yes, my balancer is trash. I physically couldn't see anything wrong with it but one of the crank pulley threads was FUBAR'ed.

Could that have caused the slight wobbling that my balancer seemed to be doing at idle?

Question now is what balancer should I buy? I am looking at a Fluidampr Streetdampr and a couple of GM balancers:
6.75" Balancer
8" Torsional Damper (Technical Notes: This damper has the pre-1969 timing mark location.)
8" SB Torsional Damper

Which should I chose and why? This is for a SBC 350. I do not need SFI approval. What is the difference between an 8" unit and a 6.75" one?

Mainly is there any real-world reason why I should buy the Fluidampr Streetdampr over a GM piece? And is there any real-world reason why (assuming I buy a GM unit) I should get an 8" instead of a 6.75"?

Thanks,
Brady

 

For a stock street (or nearly) engine there is no need for a $300 balancer. Summit sells stock type balancers for about $60-$80.

GM used the smaller balancers for a reduction in weight and rotating mass (lets the engine spin up a lil faster) If you are replacing a 6.75" it'd be easier to just get the same size. If you go to an 8" you'll need a new timing tab and have to cutthe old one off the chain cover (its welded on)

 

Thanks, I might go ahead and get a 6.75" unit though.

Brady