None of the above. This balancer was used through the end of the 327 engine run. A friend here in Phoenix is the 2nd owner of an untouched 350 HP 327 '68 in the 25000 serial range with a finned balancer.
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Re: SB 8" balancer
Gene----
I think that the best information on this one is that provided by Loren; empirical evidence is always the best. In any event, I'll describe what I've found out from my research. And, I must admit up front that it leaves me scratching my head.
The original SERVICE part number for the 62 327 with special high performance and FI balancer was GM# 3817173. This was also the PRODUCTION part number since 3817173 is stamped on the face of original balancers from the 62-64 time period that I have seen. Also, 3817173 is a very old part number and consistent with original issue in the 62 time period. GM part number 3817173 was NEVER superceded and is catalogued to service all 62-68 Corvette with 327 cid and special high performance and FI. It remains available in service to this day.
However, from what I've been able to learn, the balancer available in service today under GM part number 3817173 does not have the internal cooling fins. It is possible that the configuration of the 3817173 balancer changed sometime during its life. That would be HIGHLY unusual since GM usually always changes the part number when the engineering specifications for a part changes. But that must be what happened in this case, as unusual as it is. The only question that remains is did this change take place before the end of the use of this part on production cars or was it a change that took place after the part was produced for SERVICE applications only. Based on Loren's information and my own intuition, I'd say that this change probably occurred after 1968.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Post Script
Just a little something more to add relative to the "finned" balancer, although it has little to do with Gene's original question. I was studying the photographs in Noland Adams' book of the 3817173 balancer. Although some may regard this as heresy, I don't think that the features that some refer to as "cooling fins" are really cooling fins, at all. First, why would you need cooling fins on an harmonic balancer, much less on the inner surface of one? Second, these "fins" are not designed in a pattern or configuration that a true "cooling fin" would have inasmuch as they are non-directional. Third, there is no air path provided for cooling; the openings in the front of the balancer would be covered in service by the crank pulley.
Actually, I now believe that these "fins" are casting reinforcements designed to reinforce the inner, crankshaft hub ring of the balancer. If that is the case, it may also explain why some of the balancers have the "fins" and some don't, even though the part number never changed. That is because, if they are reinforcements, GM MAY HAVE included ALTERNATE means of providing reinforcement on the original specifications for part #3817173. They occassionally do this on the specifications for many parts. The original supplier, then, may have chosen to use the "fin" reinforcement method. A later supplier, or even the original supplier if they retooled the part, may have decided to use the ALTERNATE reinforcement method allowed by the GM specifications.
I'd love to get my hands on the original specifications or drawings for this part(and a LOT of others, for that matter). That would answer all questions. It's a daunting task, though.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 8" BalancerPost Script
Joe, Just as a point of interest I've run into a few owners both 67 & 68 L79 cars that had 8" balancers WITH OUT fins. The motors looked fairly original. As we know the balancer is not a common replaced part unless your doing a motor rebuild. Thats why I questioned you on it's usage. If you are correct on the vendors option fins or not then those guys claiming original balancers may very well have untouched motors. Thank you for the response.Comment
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67 Instrument Cluster Wiring
I have removed the instrument cluster from my 67 L36 coupe. There is a capacitor with a 3 1/2 inch, dark blue, lead located directly above the water temperature gauge. At the end of the lead is a rectangular plastic piece with a groove about the size of an 18 gauge wire. A nail in the plastic piece goes through the dark blue lead and the groove. When I removed the cluster, the lead did not appear to be attached to any other wire. I have been told that the capacitor should be attached to the hot lead to the parking brake warning light but can find no indication of this on the wiring diagrams. I have also been told that the capacitor is inconsequential and may have not been connected at the factory due to lack of knowledge of its purpose. Does anyone know how this capacitor is to be connected?Comment
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Re: 67 Instrument Cluster Wiring
John,
Page G406 (or there-abouts) in the U69 section of the 67 AIM will show where it is supposed to go. It is supposed to attach to a connector on a tan colored wire which I believe was correctly mentioned to you, and am presuming goes to the parking brake warning light. TBarr #24014Comment
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