I was putting the lower pulley on the harmonic balancer and there were two helicoils (both of which were in bad shape). I pulled them out with pliers out of frustration. The balancer looks like it has seen better days.

So, should I put new helicoils in or pay $70 for a OEM replacement from Summit or Jegs? 396, internally balanced - the OEM is apparently an 8" but there is a 7" on there now...any advice

If your only running an alt. I wouldnt buy a new one. But, if your running P/S and an alt,I would prob. buy a new one just b/c I wouldnt want that crank pulley flying off at high RPM's and taking out alot of stuff worth more than $70.

If it looks in bad shape, the elastomer is likely in bad shape also. Thats kind of cheap insurance - buy a new one...

I've got to go with buy a new one too. These things don't last forever, and if it was abused enough to need heli's, then it probably got some other more serious abuse too.

The auto parts stores sell them too, $30 on up.

aww heck, its a just bb, go without.......hehehe

I really should get a new one too, would like a SFI one though. Keep us posted on what you get and how it fits.

Thanks guys - I'll give an update here in a week or so. Going new for sure - I'llk try an auto parts store on the way home.

nobody said this hobby was inexpensive ;)

I went with a TCI Rattler. It's SFI 18.1 rated and won't ever shift like an elastomer two-piece one can.

I'm picking up an OEM balancer on the way home - ordered it Tuesday. Same thing as Summit for the same price (with no handling charge BTW).

Thanks everybody. I would have upgraded to a better one but I am sure this will suffice. I am trying to get the old girl on the road first dammit!

So, I picked up the HB today but it came with weights...WTF? The 396 and 427 is internally balanced and this threw me for a loop.

Anybody? How will I know if I need them? I don't think I'll be spinning it past about 5,200 and that will be hardly ever anyway.

Arey they bolt in? My Summit one came with weights that could be bolted in for an ext. balance engine or omitted for an internally balanced one.

So, I picked up the HB today but it came with weights...WTF? The 396 and 427 is internally balanced and this threw me for a loop.

Anybody? How will I know if I need them? I don't think I'll be spinning it past about 5,200 and that will be hardly ever anyway.
The weights are for use on a 454.

Do you mean it came with weights cast in or separate?

Separate weights.