1963 FI with engine vibration

[Bruce B.]

Re: 1963 FI with engine vibration

Here is a picture of the balancer and the correct timing chain cover.
The tab is approx. 4 1/8 inches from, the center of the crankshaft which makes sense since the balancer is 8 inches in diameter,.

[John D.]

Re: 1963 FI with engine vibration

Scott,
The anti-siphon valve is tucked inside the fuel bowl and cannot be seen unless the fuel meter cover is removed, etc.
John

[Alan D.]

Re: 1963 FI with engine vibration

A few more pictures, if you blow them up - think you can see part number on rubber.
PS from a Mar64 FI car.

[Tom P.]

Re: 1963 FI with engine vibration

I don't think I have ever seen a finned damper. I wonder were I can find the correct one?

Not only is it NOT the correct finned balancer, but it is not even the correct replacement balancer!!!!
The balancer on the hi-perf 327 engines (such as an FI engine) were the widest, largest diameter (8in) balancers ever installed on small blocks. That balancer LOOKS like the small type balancer used on 283s and lo-perf 327s!!!

The 327s with an 8in balancer also had a corrosponding timing cover because the timing tab had to be positioned further away to clear the balancer. Both correct timing covers and finned balancers are somewhat scarce----------------AND PRICY!

[John D.]

Re: 1963 FI with engine vibration

A few more pictures, if you blow them up - think you can see part number on rubber.
PS from a Mar64 FI car.

Alan, Nice original pulley. So many of the cars you look at have the service replacement pulley that has the reinforcing rib. The SW pulley might still be available from GM and would be a good one for the owner to buy while he is looking for the finned balancer.
Wonder how the light weight balancer is effecting the balance of the engine?
Are the pics from your show car Alan? JD

[Ridge K.]

Re: 1963 FI with engine vibration

I don't think I have ever seen a finned damper. I wonder were I can find the correct one?

I noticed one on an internet auction site (by the name of eBay) just last night. It is auction 250402873753.
I am not recommending it, nor am connected with the seller. Just wanted to to see the pics attached to the auction listing. Others may comment if this one is correct for your car.
Ridge.

[Alan D.]

Re: 1963 FI with engine vibration

Yes JD from my only corvette, show, drive, and so on. Trying not to buy another one since garage is full (bet that would not stop me if a good one was found)

[Michael H.]

Re: 1963 FI with engine vibration

Wonder how the light weight balancer is effecting the balance of the engine?

Why would the light/small balancer have anything to do with the balance of the engine?

[Tim S.]

Re: 1963 FI with engine vibration

Scott,
The sceptic in me says there is probably something wrong with the engine. I had bent a couple of rods in a 63 I owned when the injection unit filled her up. IT WILL SHAKE! By the photos you provided, someone has been in the engine due to the fresh gasket and the incorrect balancer. If the engine is the original or even a numbers matching, it would be in your ( or Dad's ) best interest to pull it apart to find the root of the problem. You would hate to hurt the block. Sounds like you have done your homework prior to this in order to diagnose this and separate the problem from the rest of the drivetrain. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Tim

[Loren L.]

Re: 1963 FI with engine vibration

I don't think I have ever seen a finned damper. I wonder were I can find the correct one?

Where does your dad live? I've got one that is for a pending rebuild....if he wants to put it on as a trial diagnostic, he can have it....but only if he's close enough that I and my shotgun can get there in 4 hours for retrieval....
Seriously, there's no shortage - they were required on HP motors between 62 and 68....should be some in the Driveline....or motorheads like Clup and McCagh probably have 5 gallon pails filled with them.

[William C.]

Re: 1963 FI with engine vibration

I have no pails, just one each on my '62 and '65, but the 8 inch srevice replacement GM sold for years is not too hard to find and a very suitable replacement unless you are going into a judging situation, where it might cost a point or two.

[Stuart F.]

Re: 1963 FI with engine vibration

I'd say a big clue is it is obvious someone has it apart recently so that can open up a whole can of worms of possibles. The balancer does not look like mine either which is a L-76 (finned).

Stu Fox

[Michael H.]

Re: 1963 FI with engine vibration

I'd say a big clue is it is obvious someone has it apart recently so that can open up a whole can of worms of possibles.

I agree. My guess is engine or flywheel/clutch balance. The 1500 RPM range that was mentioned is typically where a clutch/flywheel balance problem shows up.

[Joe M.]

Re: 1963 FI with engine vibration

fwiw, I ran that 6" balancer off my hi po 62 327/300 for years on my ce 66 327/350 service replacement block. Ran fine, no problems. So your right in looking elsewhere as a priority for the vibe.

[Jack U.]

Re: 1963 FI with engine vibration

I'd say a big clue is it is obvious someone has it apart recently so that can open up a whole can of worms of possibles. The balancer does not look like mine either which is a L-76 (finned).

Stu Fox

Agreed... That's the wrong balancer for the L84.