externally balanced crank.

[pyrojim]

In the middle of rebuilding a 71 dart I bought last year, and the drive train was trashed. It has a 360 crate motor and a 904 trans, both smoked. The trans was rebuilt to a super street, the 360 needs a new crank. The thrust bearing had 1/8" + of play. So, heres my dilema. The 360 crank is externally balanced, motor guy says " balance the crank and weight it on the flex plate " the trans guy says "tell me the weight, and I'll transfer it to the torque converter" I'm not sure which way is right,or, if they're both right. Other options include buying a steel crank and balancing it internally but for 400 +/-  hp. I'm not sure I want to spend the extra $600.00 give or take. Any Ideas???
As always, Thanks.

[pyrojim]

I can't believe that NO ONE responded to this. Thanks

[72cudamaan]

I always preferred internal balance, so you know my choice. That way, if something fails
and all the exterior pieces ie flexplate, torque convertor are zero balanced it's easy to replace.   
Second choice would be the flexplate for me.

[cudazappa]

I went through this on my 360. Also a mild "budget" build.  I decided to keep the external balance on my motor.  When I dropped it off at the shop, I needed to provide the crank, offset weighted B&M flexplate, and the harmonic balancer.  As well as the piston, rod, rod bearings, rings, etc...  The B&M flexplate replaces the factory flexplate so I can utilize a neutral balanced torque converter.  I figured the purchase of the B&M flexplate was the best bang for the buck choice. 

Engine is assembled, and is going into my Challenger soon.

[Chryco Psycho]

I thought I responded to this ...
 You can balance the engine on the flexplate or torque converter , or if you have the motor apart  you can lighten the rods & pistons & add metal to the crank & internally balance the build

[pyrojim]

Thanks all, I appreciate it.