harmonic balancer for a 440-70 Cuda

[Hotiron]

When I bought my Cuda the engine was already out.  I had the correct external harmonic balancer (I thought) in hand when I had the machine work done.  The shop that did the work did not use it but put in a internal harmonic balancer. They explained this was the correct rebuild for the 440 six-pac.   I have not even put oil in this motor yet but was looking for input on what the internal balancer will bring to the table when I get around to putting it in the car verses the external balancer.

[Cuda Cody]

It has to do with the way the engine was built.  Does not matter what the factory did originally because once it's rebuilt the engine can be rebuilt to either "internally balanced" or "externally balanced".  So if your engine builder built it to be an internally balanced engine then you have to keep it that way.  All that means is he did the extra work to make sure the internals (rotating mass, crank, rods, pistons) are all balanced with the counterweights on the cranks.  And externally balanced engine uses the flywheel and harmonic balancer to get everything balanced.

[Hotiron]

When I bought my Cuda the engine was already out.  I had the correct external harmonic balancer (I thought) in hand when I had the machine work done.  The shop that did the work did not use it but put in a internal harmonic balancer. They explained this was the correct rebuild for the 440 six-pac.   I have not even put oil in this motor yet but was looking for input on what the internal balancer will bring to the table when I get around to putting it in the car verses the external balancer.

Thanks Cody, I thought that the rebuild was good but was concerned it would effect the final product.

[GY3R/T]

    Factory 440 Six-Barrel engines came with a unique harmonic balancer. If your Cuda is a factory 6bbl car, and you had the correct internal rotating assembly, then the engine builder should've built/balanced your engine with the correct harmonic balancer. For appearance at least.

[6bblgt]

the "6 Pack Balancer" & H.D. rods were used in all factory "U" & "V" code 440s for 1970 & 1971

[GY3R/T]

        Six- Pac Balancer and heavy duty (wide beam) rods did not come in all 70-71 U code cars. Most U code 440's came with forged steel cranks and LY rods with the basic harmonic balancer. ( Internal balanced). The 69 1/2 six-pack engines and rods were another story. FWIW.

[6bblgt]

        Six- Pac Balancer and heavy duty (wide beam) rods did not come in all 70-71 U code cars. Most U code 440's came with forged steel cranks and LY rods with the basic harmonic balancer. ( Internal balanced).

NOT TRUE!  the only '70 440s with factory "LY" rods are the c-body 350hp ("T"-code non-"HP") versions 

[HEMICUDA]

        Six- Pac Balancer and heavy duty (wide beam) rods did not come in all 70-71 U code cars. Most U code 440's came with forged steel cranks and LY rods with the basic harmonic balancer. ( Internal balanced).

NOT TRUE!  the only '70 440s with factory "LY" rods are the c-body 350hp ("T"-code non-"HP") versions 

I'll second that, all 70 V & U code cars had 6pk bottom ends.

[GY3R/T]

the "6 Pack Balancer" & H.D. rods were used in all factory "U" & "V" code 440s for 1970 & 1971

  My U code 70 GTX had LY rods, My U code 70 Challenger had LY rods, My U code 70 Charger had LY rods. All numbers car.   I have Never seen a Six-Pack balancer on a U code car.

[1 Wild R/T]

the "6 Pack Balancer" & H.D. rods were used in all factory "U" & "V" code 440s for 1970 & 1971

  My U code 70 GTX had LY rods, My U code 70 Challenger had LY rods, My U code 70 Charger had LY rods. All numbers car.   I have Never seen a Six-Pack balancer on a U code car.

Well some how you have three anomalies..... Every 70 U or V code I've ever worked on (and thats a bunch) had the big rods....

Though personally if I were building a RB engine I wouldn't use the big rods.... If it were a show poodle application I might but something thats gonna run? No way....  I might use the offset balancer but drill the backside to neutral balance it then use modern parts in the rotating assy...

[6bblgt]

the "6 Pack Balancer" & H.D. rods were used in all factory "U" & "V" code 440s for 1970 & 1971

  My U code 70 GTX had LY rods, My U code 70 Challenger had LY rods, My U code 70 Charger had LY rods. All numbers car.   I have Never seen a Six-Pack balancer on a U code car.

then someone has been inside all of those "numbers" car's engines & removed all the correct pieces for parts they thought were correct or lighter

[RUNCHARGER]

I have to concur. U and V-codes in 70 and 71 have the less desirable heavy rods.

[anlauto]

I'll second that, all 70 V & U code cars had 6pk bottom ends.

That's always been my understanding