Replacing Harmonic Balancer ?

[vpittman]

I'm in the process of pulling everything off the engine of my '73 Cuda, with a '76 360, replacing the fuel pump, water pump and generally sprucing things up.

Since I have everything off (engine is still in that car), how do I know if I should replace the harmonic balancer ? It is a '76 and I don't know it's been previously replaced...

If I should replace it, any opinions on which one should I get ? Don't want to spend too much unless it's really worth it, $200 - $250

I'm looking to make this a daily driver with a bit of performance

Thanks !

[Topcat]

OEM harmonic balancers can be repaired if it's the rubber insulator needs replacing. Might be the cheapest route for you.

Harmonic Balancer
 Dale Manufacturing, 3425 Fairhaven Avenue N.E. , Salem, Oregon USA 97303
(503) 364-8685 PST www.dalemfg.com dalemfg@juno.com {07/05}
 
Harmonic Balancer
Damper Doctor, 1055 Parkview Ave., Redding, CA., 96001-3314. (877) 834-2137. DamperDoc@aol.com {04/03}
 
Harmonic Balancer
Winslow Manufacturing Company, 5700 Dean Avenue, Raleigh, N.C. 27604, 919 790 9713. Rebuilds Harmonic Balancers.
 

[dodge freak 2]

If the motor is running smooth and your not racing it I would just paint it.

If you get the motor rebuilt and balanced then get a nice new balancer and have the whole rotating  assembly balanced.

[Chryco Psycho]

 
 if you are just cruising with it & would just leave it on

[Aussie Challenger]

Check to see if it has slipped on the outer ring, if it has it might be easier to replace now, does the timing case seal leak, might be a good idea to replace especially if you are painting motor.   

[Chryco Psycho]

if there is a groove where the seal rides on it you may want to replace it