All: I need to choose a flexplate and balancer for my 350. I have decided on TA's SFI flexplate (TA2032) and their stock balancer. My intention is to bracket race the car and still maintain streetabilty. If the engine made 350 HP, I would be happy. Is there a problem with the balancer? At what point do I need an SFI unit? TIA
Hi David, I believe you won't need an SFI balancer unless you'll be heading towards the 10 or 11 second range in the 1/4 mile. My engine will be pushing around 475 hp and I'll still be using the stock balancer. The one thing Jim Burek is doing is balancing the assembly which will relieve stress off the rotating mass. I think you should be ok using a stock balancer for 350 hp.
Thanks Rob Thanks! My engine builder is asking for the new flexplate but was less interested in the balancer. Why wouldn't he want that too? Could he be using a "shop" piece to complete the balancing? Also, I imagine the SFI designation refers to a "Racing Good House Keeping Seal of Approval" Will I run into problems participating in events if I use a stock balancer? Thanks again.
If your engine builder isn't going to be breaking-in the engine or dynoing it then there really isn't a need for him to have the balancer. I hope the shop you have doing your engine knows the correct tolerances, etc. needed so your engine will have a long life. You shouldn't have any problems in participating in any events with your stock balancer. If you were to get into the low teens in the 1/4 mile, then I'm unsure whether or not a SFI balancer would be required. You would have to look in the rulebook to see. The F.A.S.T. cars use stock balancers and they're running 11 and 12 second 1/4 mile times.
Good I was afraid the car may not pass tech in certain instances w/ o the proper balancer. That is good news. I have complete faith in my engine guy. He/they are well known Buick guys who only are interested in quality work. Unfortunately, quality cost money. Better to do it once the right way I suppose.
David, are you having it done locally? If so, who's doing it as I will be looking for a shop that knows Buick engines this winter.
