i'm having a 350 rebuilt. i don't know if it would be worth getting ballanced. i'm only 16 and i don't have much money so i don't want to spend $250 on something i don't realy need. i'm getting new pistons but i'm keeping the same rods and crank. how important is it that i have it ballanced? i'ts probably not going to be turned over 5500 and i'm hoping to get about 300-350hp out of it.

 

If I were you, I wouldn't worry about it. In my opinion, balancing the rotating assembly is only important if a)you're looking for high power numbers out of it or b)you plan on turning lots of rpms.

Keep the $250 or invest it in something else, like better rods, roller rockers, a cam, ignition stuff, etc.

 

It realley depends on how much viberation you like from your engine, If the balance is way off it will never run smooth even if it is in perfect tune, it will always shake a little.

 

I'd have to agree ...Its not absolutely needed but its a great idea and probably worth the cash in the long run. If you don't do it atleast buy a high quality harmonic dampner

 

i think i've decided to do it. it would probably last longer, run smoother, and get better gas milage.

 

It's well worth the extra money to have it ballanced. Most machine shops give a standard price like your $250 but it tends to slide down depending on the amount of work it takes to ballance it. One thing you should do before they get started is spend some more hard earned money on a new harmonic ballancer. This way your freshly ballanced rotating assembly will stay ballanced.

EDIT: Just to make you feel a little better, the 396 now 427 for my Malibu is running 3 times that amount to get ballanced.