So I'm building a 410 fe with the 428 crankshaft. I know that I need a balanced flywheel with the counter weight on it and have found some new online. I was just thinking and I'm curious if there is any specific position to mount the flywheel? Can I just throw it on, or does the weight have go be in a certain position in relation to the crank? Thanks.

 

Betcha it does, though if so probably only install one way anyway? If not, not.

 

It has to be in a certain position to get all the bolts in.

 

To do it correctly, you need to balance the whole assembly including your flywheel at a reputable balancing shop.

 

^This

No matter what, it won't be perfect, and you'll want to get it balanced.

On a technical note, yes, the flywheel only goes on one way, you can't all the the bolts in if it's not position correctly.

 

Oh okay, thank you. Guess I didn't take a good enough look at it haha. So are you guys saying it wouldn't be enough to just get a flywheel with the weight on it? I need to take it in with my engine to be balanced too? Would it cause any problems to just throw the weighted flywheel on? Has anyone done this? Thanks.

 

You could (probably) wind up with a slight-to-mild vibration at certain RPMs, and who knows what all the piston/rod combos weigh, etc. You could just verify all the piston/rod weights are close and go from there, but if it were me, and I was putting together a 410 - which DOES change the balance compared to a 428, I would definitely get it balanced.

You need the flywheel, harmonic dampener, pistons/rods/rings and crankshaft, even the rod bearings, to give to the balance shop.

 

Okay thanks... can they do it after I have it all put together? Because I've had the block machined already and the rods reconditioned with new bushings and all that. I haven't gotten much put in, but I'm starting to put the pistons in

 

Balancing is done with the crank and rods and everything else out of the block.

They mount the crank on stands, simulate the weight of the rods/pistons with "bob-weights", bolt on the dampener and flywheel, and spin 'er up.

Sounds like you might be going without

 

Ahhh. Dang. I'm really hoping someone will chime in and say "yeah I've just bolted on the balanced flywheel and was fine". I don't wanna have to pay extra money for it and take it apart, but I also don't want to ruin this engine

 

You have asked us for our advice. It is up to you on what you do.
It will be less expensive in the long run to do it right the first time.

 

I know, I know. I appreciate the advice, thanks guys.

 

Make sure when you buy the NEW wheel that it IS balanced for a 428. Some will just be generic FE(zero balanced) and will need balanced(by you) to work on a 428.

If it is a TRUE 428 wheel, then it should be able to be just bolted on. If everything else in the motor is stock, it should be within spec enough to not be a problem. It is always best to have things checked/balanced. Eliminated any problems after you get it running.

I bought a 428 almost 30 yrs ago, had a 390 flywheel on it. It vibrated about 2500 rpm. It would rattle the transmission loose from the bellhousing if you drove it for a few days. That is when I first found out about a 428 being EXTERNALLY balanced. Once I put a 428 wheel on it, it was smooth again.

 

Alright, thank you!

 

And a 428 takes an 11.5 or 12 inch clutch right? And isn't it correct that when I put my 410 into my truck, I won't be able to use the 11 inch clutch from my 360 since the pressure plate has a different pattern?