Bad Balancer? I assume this is bad. What makes a good balancer? Buy new or used?

[DRRummel]

I know nothing about balancers, other then "it externally balances the engine” and that my 5.0 EFI uses a 50 oz unit. What makes a good balancer? Is a summitracing.com unit any better then an OEM unit? Can I pull one off a spare 5.0 HO I have around here? Is it a GOOD IDEA to buy an upgraded unit? If so, why?

[White5.0]

your looks really old and pretty beat i would just buy a new OEM one....theyre $70 on 50resto

[lib88stang]

Were you getting vibrations for it?

[349Stroker]

That thing is junk and I wouldn't even start the car with that on there

[INSANELY CRAZY]

its beat... you can use a stock oem replacement off another 5.0 if you dont wanna buy a new one.

[Killercanary]

Romac makes an excellent balancer. Almost any SFI approved balancer will be a great replacement though.

[mlowry1260]

Ditch that balancer ASAP.

I would buy a aftermarket unit. The balancer absorbs unwanted vibrations from the motor. A bad balancer can destroy a crankshaft.

[DRRummel]

We all agree. The Balancer is toast. I am just wondering what is the difference between the 70.00 OEM units and the 275.00 or 400.00 units I have seen for sale at SummitRacing.com. What makes them better, besides maybe a higher RPM range?

While I am at it and I have the balancer off, I am thinking of replacing the front oil seal. I have never tried it with the crank still in place.

[DRRummel]

Were you getting vibrations for it?

I never have had the car running. I bought it as someone else's aborted project.

As I get into it, I find I have a different standard then the previous owner. Like I prefer to have two bolts holding the started in, not just one. The distributor cup (not cap) also only had one bolt hold it on. Having fun, though. I hope it runs when I am done. Or should I say I hope it is done the first time I put it all together.