68 Harmonic Balancer

[Kurt Bunting (26406)]

Just received call from machine shop and need to order new harmonic balancer TODAY.
My question is: for a 1968 327 small block L79 motor 350 horsepower, the aftermarket catalogs show 2 different 8inch balancers, one with "cooling fins" on the backside for $350.00 and one without for $100;
Which one is the factory correct version.
I am at work and do not have my NCRS Judging Manual with me.
Any quick help much needed and appreciated as I need to order this today to beat the weekend delay.
Thank you

[Joe Lucia (12484)]

Re: 68 Harmonic Balancer

Kurt-----

Virtually all, if not all, of the PRODUCTION L-79 balancers were of the "finned" variety. Later SERVICE balancers available from GM to this very day, are of the non-finned variety, even though the GM part number is still the same as the original part number. The "$100 balancer" is the GM SERVICE part; the "$350 balancer" is the reproduction of the original.

[Craig Schultz (29385)]

Re: 68 Harmonic Balancer

Kurt - Paul Baker at Goat Hill classics makes the repop finned balancer, it is a great piece. I suspect you can get it cheaper from him directly, at least in the $325 range....the other vendors are just buying it from him and marking it up. You can even get it dated now I hear, like the original parts, stamped on the rear face of the ring. I bought mine 3 years ago at BG from him, show price was $280 then. The only way to go for originality in my mind, I don't trust 33 year old balancers if you drive at all. As Joe says, if function is the only consideration, then by all means the GM service part is the way to go...Craig

[Kurt Bunting (26406)]

Re: 68 Harmonic Balancer

Thank you Joe and Craig for your input.
I found a correct balancer today and it was shipped to the engine shop for Tuesday delivery.
Now waiting for the next phone call of what will be needed next. Have been waiting since September for this engine to be reassembled, hope to get it soon.
Kurt