355 Harmonic Balancer

[Shawn F.]

I am trying to get my 355 engine done to drop into my daily driver 1980 El Camino but still having trouble deciding on the last few parts. It's a basic 355 with flat top pistons and Vortec heads. Cam is still yet undecided but will be a basic low torque street cam. Anyways I need a harmonic balancer but have no clue which to go with... Any recommendations?
Is it worth spending $200 or more on one or stick with a basic $60-$80 one? Which brand would you guys go with? Also I see internally balanced which of course is stock and externally but do not understand the whole external balanced? Any information on this would be greatly appreciated!

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Just get a quality internally balanced unit. If you're racing make sure it's SFI certified.

Tommy

 

[Shawn F.]

Timmy, thanks for the info! No racing here, just daily driver and work vehicle. Summit has a flywheel and 6 3/4" harmonic balancer kit for about $130 that I may get for their 290HP crate motor. Will this work fine? I was told to not get the 350 H.O. flywheel and balancer kit because it's a 1 piece main seal and there is a difference with the flywheel having a weight to counter for the seal.
If this $130 kit will work then that is what I will go with and be done with this part.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

For a DD that should be fine as long as your 355 has 2 piece seals.

Tommy

 

[bracketchev1221]

Look into the Pioneer brand on the Summit website. I used one of their street/strip ones, that was degreed up to 90 degrees. I am running a 425 hp 355.