Hey guys, were doing an engine swap on an 89 camaro, and we are putting in one of the GM crate engines, I was just curious if there was any reason that the balancer/flywheel wouldnt transfer over. I didnt know if the 305 one would be ok on the new 350.

Which crate engine? 1pc. or 2 pc. rear main seal?

In 1986 when the rear main seal was changed over to 1 pc. the bolt pattern for the flywheel/flexplate was changed, so you won't have to worry about accidently using it.

But because the rear flange on the crank was changed to a solid 360* perimeter, the flywheel/flexplate for the 1 pc. cranks is actually externally balanced. Sorta like a SBC 400 but not as much weight was needed.

Same with the harmonic damper. There is a small divot drilled out on the back of the outter ring which also classifies as externally balanced.

Now, some people will argue these things don't make the 1 pc. rear main seal cranks externally balanced, but based on the fact that the bolt on pieces are not neutral balanced I believe they're considered external pieces.

If you swap it over (and you can regardless of whether it's a one piece or two piece RMS engine) make sure the timing tab on the new motor is in the same place as the timing tab on the old motor. Some 305s in f-bodies of that vintage (original TBI engines, primarily) had the tab in the 12:00 position, with balancer line in a position to match, while others (original TPI engines) had the tab in the more common 1:30 position, with the balancer line in a position to match. Just gotta make sure the tab and the line on the balancer are designed to work together in the same position as before.

Damon beat me to it.
My old 305 came out of a TBI 3rd gen... Crossfire.
I looked in the normal place and couldn't find the timing tab! :confused:

Thanks guys, I just kind of wanted a second opinion about it.