I was told that I could use the 2 piece polished aluminum timing chain cover on the Vortec 5.7 engine I am building but would also need to use the harmonic balancer that came off of the original 305. The Vortec Harmonic balancer is allot larger than the one that was on the original 305, does this matter?

 

In general, the bigger the better, but it should be fine.

Why exactly do you need to use the 305 damper, because of its size? A larger damper won't fit with the cover, is that the case?

 

I was just going by what I was told on this board when I asked if I could use my 2 piece timing cover instead of the plastic one that came on the Vortec. Thats why I am asking because I want to be 100% sure before I set the engine in and find out I was wrong

 

anyone know if I can use the stock Vortec HB with the 2 piece timing cover or will I have to use the one off of the 305 to use with anything but a plastic vortec timing cover

 

I went back and re-read all my posts I have made and found out what the problem was. The Vortec HB is a little shorter because of the reluctor ring and you have to take that off with a standard timing cover which in turn will make the pulleys out of alignment if using the Vortec HB

 

Okay, now we're getting down to the real issue.

Why not just buy a new, larger damper? They aren't that expensive.

(BTW, it's not a "balancer", I don't care who or how many call it that. It's function is to dampen harmonics, not to "balance" the engine.)

 

I just call it what we called it years ago when I was helping my uncle build mopars under the shade tree when I was like 10. I could buy a bigger Harmonic Balancer I guess but it may be cheaper to just pay the 22.00 for the plastic timing chain and use the factory one because this isn't going to be a race car nor a show car just a daily driver. I doubt I ever change cams in it so I guess no real need for a 2 piece cover, I just thought since I had it I would see what was involved in using it and I guess that has been answered