Any recommendations for a new 455 harmonic balancer? Stock rebuild nothing special.

 

Pioneer or Dorman.

 

If you're not afraid of using an aftermarket balancer, this one looks close to original and likely will function and won't break the bank. I have no experience with the aftermarket stuff. Unless you want to spend over $100 or more for a SCAT or other "performance" balancer. Someone used to advertise rebuilding the rubber, but I forgot who.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/122046767506

 

I used the Dorman 594-117 on the 455 I rebuilt. It worked well.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c...er/doe0/594117

 

Autozone says they can get these from the warehouse overnight to the store for a few bucks less than Oreilly. Oreilly site as well as Rockauto.com says they're out of stock. I'm guessing you'll need it soon?

 

PRW part# 2445541 - fits Olds V8 - is a great aftermarket choice - I run it on my 350 with smooth performance even past 70mph

 

I have a used balancer off of a low mileage '69 400 motor (same balancer) that I would part with. Don't know where you are located but there should be plenty used ones available close to you.

 

Interesting. Be aware that the auto parts stores will match prices to local competitors. It's a craps shoot as far as which parts store has the best customer service. I generally stick to O'Reilly's because Auto Zone and Advanced Auto Parts are staffed by pimply teenagers that don't know anything about cars.

 

I've always thought on an Oldsmobile the balancer has to match the rotating assembly. Ie, harmonic balancer, crank and flexplate/flywheel should all match. So no 455 balancer on a 425 or 400. Of course if everything is new and aftermarket you have to send it out to someone who knows what they are doing ON AN OLDSMOBILE to balance the entire assembly.

Chevy doesn't balance the same way and does not need everything to be balanced together.

I found having had the balancing done on my 425, that it was one of the most important things I had done to my engine. It sings like a sewing machine. Smooth as silk. I am sure it contributes to the longevity of the engine.

 

Just to clarify, no 455 balancer on a 400 B or E. 400G should be same as a 455, no?

 

I believe you are correct. Also, the 307 VIN 9 engines in the 80s Hurst/Olds and 442s and beyond used the same balancer as the 455. It’s true.

 

As an alternative to buying a new aftermarket part, consider having an original rebuilt. I used Damper Dudes in California a few years ago to rebuild the original on my '69 350. Turn-around was 1 week at a cost of about $100. Came back cleaned, painted, sleeved and new rubber. Looked new and has performed great with no drama. I considered just buying one of the aftermarket replacements at the time but I'm extremely glad I didn't.

 

can you verify the 307 vin 9 using the 455 damper?

I’ve got two of those engines here but not easy to get at in storage.