engine balancing

[e8_pack]

I am rebuilding my 996 turbo engine with a forged stroker Brian Crower crank and rods with CP pistons.

Should I pay to get the balance checked or rely on the kit already being in balance?

Would I be better to get a new flywheel and check that or get my old one checked? It was OK before now.

I'm just wondering where I need to spend money and where I don't. I've heard that I should always check clearances, balance etc, but how do I know the checker would be any better than the manufacturer? Opinions?

[Boosted LS1]

Don't rely on it being balanced. You could regret it. If it's a mass produced kit then it's probably had a rough balance but not had any thorough checks on the individual componant weights. The componants are easily weighed if you have the kit to do it. Once you've confirmed the weights and adjusted if need be you send the crank off to the balancer guy with his wonderful machine. I do it all the time. As for the flywheel it'll have been balanced by the manufacturer and if it's in good nick then no need to change it.

You can choose to just balance the internals or do the internals along with the flywheel, clutch pack and front pulley. Personally I just do the internals.

[stevieturbo]

e8_pack said:

I am rebuilding my 996 turbo engine with a forged stroker Brian Crower crank and rods with CP pistons.

Should I pay to get the balance checked or rely on the kit already being in balance?

Would I be better to get a new flywheel and check that or get my old one checked? It was OK before now.

I'm just wondering where I need to spend money and where I don't. I've heard that I should always check clearances, balance etc, but how do I know the checker would be any better than the manufacturer? Opinions?

If it is sold as a kit I wouldnt be too concerned. Also with the layout of a flat 6, again I wouldnt be too concerned.

I'll let Wiki describe it a bit better, but the design is inherently a well balanced one simply by design, because all the forces/weights naturally cancel each other.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat-six_engine

But it would certainly do no harm if the engine is in pieces to have it all checked, it's a lot easier to do now than when the engine is built lol.

You just need to find somewhere reputable to do it.

But unless it's an all out racer where you're revving the dung out of it all the time, I wouldnt be overly worried.

[e8_pack]

Boosted LS1 said:

Don't rely on it being balanced. You could regret it. If it's a mass produced kit then it's probably had a rough balance but not had any thorough checks on the individual componant weights. The componants are easily weighed if you have the kit to do it. Once you've confirmed the weights and adjusted if need be you send the crank off to the balancer guy with his wonderful machine. I do it all the time. As for the flywheel it'll have been balanced by the manufacturer and if it's in good nick then no need to change it.

You can choose to just balance the internals or do the internals along with the flywheel, clutch pack and front pulley. Personally I just do the internals.

Thanks, can I just ask who you use?

[Boosted LS1]

^ I weigh the parts here and adjust if need be. After that and for years I've been sending cranks for balancing to Bob Harman at watford but he's not been answering the phone of late. I suspect he may have retired but I'm just guessing. I like these old school guys. I've recently sent cranks elsewhere and am waiting on the response. I've a couple of v8 cranks due back next week. :-)