On my 383 build what size harmonic balancer should I use? Im going to be using a new GM serpentine setup,don't know it that makes a difference. Setup is internally balanced. Next question: I have a ProBuilt 700r4,do I use a 168 or a 153 tooth flexplate? The block I am using,a 350 4-bolt main truck block, used a staggered starter mount looking at the marks on the mounting area. So do I use a staggered starter or a inline? Block is 2-piece rear seal.Overall,what flexplate,starter,balancer combo will be the best for my application?
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Use whatever you like as long as it is balanced them same. The 153 tooth flywheel is a car flywheel, so the starter is closer to the engine for header clearance. The damper doesnt matter, as long as it is all the same balance for the crank. If you have not had it balanced yet, take it to the machine shop all together and have them do it all at the same time so it is right, dead on with whatever parts will be with it.
If the engine is internally balanced, then you need balanced items to add to the outside.
The nice thing about having the components balanced separately is that you can change them without throwing your engines balance off.
A stock 400 is not internally balanced so a flex plate or balancer(one the other or both, I forget) have weight added to complete the balance so you definately do not want those.
As mentioned I would go with the smaller flex plate as it will give you more header clearance with your starter. But there is no reason you CAN'T use the larger type.
As for the balancer, there are lots out there. If you go for a factory style (hub, elastomer ring, outer iron ring) I would get an 8" not the smaller diameter one that many cars came with. Fluidamper($$) is probably the most effective (IMO). If it is not the same diameter as your original, your factory timing marks will be scaled wrong, so it is nice to get one with timing marks on the damper. Then you only need the zero mark on your original timing scale, which will still be in the right place, and you read the timing off of the dampers scale.
Any starter that will bolt to your block should get the job done. But it does have to match your flywheel. A lot of after market starters have dual bolt patterns so that they can be used with big or small flex plates. If the starter only has one set of holes you will need to make sure that it is designed for the size flex plate you are using.
As for the inline or staggered mounting bolts, my memory is a little fuzzy...it seems like my block would work with either, but if yours only has staggered holes then you have to get a started which will match that AND your flexplate.
No matter what you use, it should not have any effect on the serpentine setup.
Best? I would go with an aftermarket, balanced, 153 tooth flex plate, dual bolt pattern mini-starter and the larger fluidamper. That's what I use.
The nice thing about having the components balanced separately is that you can change them without throwing your engines balance off.
A stock 400 is not internally balanced so a flex plate or balancer(one the other or both, I forget) have weight added to complete the balance so you definately do not want those.
As mentioned I would go with the smaller flex plate as it will give you more header clearance with your starter. But there is no reason you CAN'T use the larger type.
As for the balancer, there are lots out there. If you go for a factory style (hub, elastomer ring, outer iron ring) I would get an 8" not the smaller diameter one that many cars came with. Fluidamper($$) is probably the most effective (IMO). If it is not the same diameter as your original, your factory timing marks will be scaled wrong, so it is nice to get one with timing marks on the damper. Then you only need the zero mark on your original timing scale, which will still be in the right place, and you read the timing off of the dampers scale.
Any starter that will bolt to your block should get the job done. But it does have to match your flywheel. A lot of after market starters have dual bolt patterns so that they can be used with big or small flex plates. If the starter only has one set of holes you will need to make sure that it is designed for the size flex plate you are using.
As for the inline or staggered mounting bolts, my memory is a little fuzzy...it seems like my block would work with either, but if yours only has staggered holes then you have to get a started which will match that AND your flexplate.
No matter what you use, it should not have any effect on the serpentine setup.
Best? I would go with an aftermarket, balanced, 153 tooth flex plate, dual bolt pattern mini-starter and the larger fluidamper. That's what I use.