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7.3 Balancing

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Old Mar 20, 2012 | 12:48 PM
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7.3 Balancing

Hey Guys, I'm trying to decide what I'm going to do with my short block rebuild reman etc. and was wondering is there any real benifits to balancing the rotating assembly? I'm not looking to build a Black Mambau just a reliable long running motor. Plan on doing the Hpx and Frx mods. Also fuel bowl delete with filters inline and maybe EVBP delete. I'm looking for smooth idle (as possible) and fair mpgs. If power comes up then bonus. Any thoughts? Thanks Ray
 
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Old Mar 20, 2012 | 02:48 PM
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gonna need a little more info than that.....you doing a mild build or keeping mostly stock....injectors? turbo? hpop? what are you going to do with the truck?
 
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Old Mar 20, 2012 | 03:22 PM
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Any good engine shop that rebuilds or machines you block crank etc., should balance it. Some do a better job then others but as Bill said what all are you doing, and what is your truck going to be used for.

Chet
 
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Old Mar 20, 2012 | 06:46 PM
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Sorry about that. I'm building a 51 Coe car hauler. The chassis is 2002 E-450. I need to rebuild the motor because of a cracked cylinder wall on #4. My goal is good Mpg and reliable. I would like to build a base motor that could have more power mods added later. I won't ever need to do burnouts but a little more power is always better. Would like to get the internals right the first time not after the fact. Mods on the list so far are listed above any thoughts are appreciated Thanks
 
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Old Mar 21, 2012 | 11:19 PM
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OK no body ever balanced a 7.3???? My machine shop can't do it (small town) and I'll have to drive a fair distance to have the internals balanced. Is it worth the time and effort for a mild build???? Thank You for any thoughts Ray
 
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Old Mar 21, 2012 | 11:21 PM
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Anytime you are having a rebuild done, it's my opinion that you should have the rotating assembly balanced. Even when going completely stock.
 
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Old Mar 22, 2012 | 12:00 AM
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Originally Posted by BigAlsPSD
Anytime you are having a rebuild done, it's my opinion that you should have the rotating assembly balanced. Even when going completely stock.
Thank You Alan. Glad you are part of FTE.
 
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Old Mar 22, 2012 | 12:04 AM
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Originally Posted by COE Guy
Thank You Alan. Glad you are part of FTE.
I had to have mine done a few hours away as well.
 
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Old Mar 22, 2012 | 07:19 AM
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Originally Posted by BigAlsPSD
Anytime you are having a rebuild done, it's my opinion that you should have the rotating assembly balanced. Even when going completely stock.
I agree. anytime I've had an engine built, I had it balanced. just makes everything smoother. I even had an old F head jeep 4 cyl balanced. the guy thought I was nuts. But idling around on the trails it was sooo smooth and quiet.

Barney
 
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Old Mar 22, 2012 | 10:37 AM
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If you bought/balanced the crank, bought balanced pistons and rods, then is then possible OR even needed then, to balance then, the engine..never built an engine before but buddy's raced cars, and was ALWAYS bringing th panther rods and done-up pistons to the shop, for precise waying...
 
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Old Mar 22, 2012 | 01:05 PM
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Alan Did you find it to be alot smoother or not much different?
Thanks for the repies everybody
 
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Old Mar 22, 2012 | 01:23 PM
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Compared to the low compression motor that came out it was considerably smoother. It just makes sense IMO, the crank had very little signs of wear, but was quite out of balance and if I recall it wasn't too terribly much to have done, I want to say around 250 ish.

Timmy, if you have your crank balanced, and bolt in balanced rods and pistons...that is a balanced motor. I'm not sure what you are asking? Do you still need a harmonic balancer...yes, it acts more like a dampener.
 
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Old Mar 22, 2012 | 09:48 PM
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Sounds like I'm going to balance it. I want smooth and reliable. 250.00 would be money well spent IMO. Thanks again everyone Great site Ray
 
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Old Mar 22, 2012 | 10:16 PM
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I have a Ford reman engine and I'm adding 38r, 238/100's, t-500, regulated return, air dog I, dual stock fuel pumps, fuel bowl delete, post pump filter, fluidampr, dp tuner, and fire rings.

From my understanding, Ford remaned engines are not balanced. Does anyone know otherwise? If they are not, what is involved in getting the rotating assemble balanced? Can I just remove the crank, rods, and pistons out of the engine and have a shop balance them? If so, how difficult is to reinstall these parts?

Thanks,
Drake
 
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Old Mar 22, 2012 | 10:50 PM
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I had mine balanced.. It is definetly worth it..
 
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