Hey Pontiac gods

[Brian Hummell]

stupid question Pontiac 1976 350 hrmonic balancer what should it look like. on my GP that was givin to me by my late father. and i did not build engine. the balancer looks like outer ring is missing and appears it was assmbled that way.every thing i have looked at on net is not the same.it appears that only snout that pulley bolts to is there.i had not drove it much, but because of a bad car crash i had to use it .

[Doug Domm]

I have seen a number of those Pontiac 350's with what looks more like a hub than a balancer. I have 2 of those motors and both have that balancer. On both of them the factory timing indicator cast into the cover is cast right over top of that hub so I doubt any outer ring. But I'm sure a Pontiac builder will come on here and give you an absolute. Doug

[Brian Hummell]

Thanks Doug. Timing tab is tin .. I am pulling motor has noise in bottom end . just need to know if whats on it is correct if not. it may be what caused problem. Brian

[Mark Yacavone]

Brian ,You can put a std. size dampener on it as long as it's for a 350-455. They are zero balanced. Make sure it's not for a 265-301.
Then use an early cover .The covers are being repop-ed now.
I doubt what you have is causing any problem though.

[Brian Hummell]

thank Mark

here is what is in car now. tell me this dose not look right.

look at third photo on this ebay listing. that is all i have found in parts store look up. engine in car is supposed to be a 350.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/230835027877...84.m1423.l2649


like i said i did not build this motor.

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Brian Hummell

thank Mark

here is what is in car now. tell me this dose not look right.

look at third photo on this ebay listing. that is all i have found in parts store look up. engine in car is supposed to be a 350.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/230835027877...84.m1423.l2649


like i said i did not build this motor.

Look at the block, right around where the dipstick tube crosses it, under the head. It will have the displacement cast into it...(both sides)
What is the two digit number on top of the center exh. ports?

That motor probably has the smaller dia. hub for locating the flexplate , too.
I never heard as to why they made some 350's that way, but it is not all that rare.
Hey, why does the oil pan appear to be bare metal?

[Brian Hummell]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

Look at the block, right around where the dipstick tube crosses it, under the head. It will have the displacement cast into it...(both sides)
What is the two digit number on top of the center exh. ports?

That motor probably has the smaller dia. hub for locating the flexplate , too.
I never heard as to why they made some 350's that way, but it is not all that rare.
Hey, why does the oil pan appear to be bare metal?

the heads 6 x
cannot see number on block . when motor is pulled i will check
pan is dirty china crome. i need a stock one.
i can only assume if it is one of these motors that it may be simalar to a sbc 400 that used flexplate to help balance.

[SCOTT SST2871]

I have seen a couple of those motors with just a hub also but,i dont remember the hub looking so much like a stock balancer hub.that looks to me like a balancer with the outer ring missing.ive got a garage full of those engines and parts.i would put a regular balancer on it and not worry about it
scott fifield

[Dave Ribeiro]

Brian,

I agree with Scott , change the balancer to the 6 3/4 " .. I think that is a 5 1/4" balancer , Pontiac has several dia. up to 7 7/8" ... I have changed balancer's many times without a problem on my racecar ... Most of the pontiac's are externally balanced, unless they have had crank & rod work done..
* Stock pan , after trying several stock replacement oil pans that would't line up the bolt holes ... I try the Jegs stock pan, worked great & cost $59 bucks... Perfect fit, I have since ordered another one.. Good luck ,

[Brian Hummell]

thank you scott and dave

after more research last night. i did find a thread on performance years for pontiac. mid year 1976 there was a switch to that hub in automatic with a tall highway gear for the 350s and 400s through 79/80. which this car has 2.73 or 3.08 gears in rear.weight savings and lower rpm. below 2500 rpm. was a bullitin sent to dealers for it.

if i do install a regular 6 3/4 balancer will it throw balance off on crank and rods?

they were supposed to have been balanced before assembly.

maybe it is time to build a 400 or 455 instead.