Harmonic balancer

[kork340]

Hi all, I'm putting a 68 318 in my 72 Duster. I changed timing cover and water pump so they work for my radiator. My question is on the harmonic balancer.
The one that matches my new timing cover looks like a cast crank balancer, and the old one looks like a forged crank balancer, going by the pics in How to HotRod Small Block Mopars. Does it matter, as long as my pulleys line up? Or do I need one for a forged crank? Also I read a post where it was said that when the dots on the timing gear are at 6 and 12 that #6 cylinder is at TDC, not #1, but with mine set up there, #1 is up at TDC and the timing mark on the harmonic balancer is at 0 on the timing cover. Is this right? This is the first 318 I've ever rebuilt. I never had to rotate the crank around from when I installed the timing set, like the other post stated. Am I in right?
Thanks.

 

[redfastback]

whatever the balncer that was on that engine originally is what you use. you cannot swap a cast/forged balancer. they must go with the type of crank. these are your engine harmonics your talking about.

 

[kork340]

Thanks redfastback, that's what I figured. However, the balancer off of the 68 is no good. It is cracked at the keyway. So what are my options for a balancer?
Thanks again.

 

[barracudadave67]

kork

You will have too get another balancer for internally balanced engines, either a stock one, or an after market one. Any one from a 318 ,340, 273 will work. What side are your timming marks on,???. 68 engines are stock with internal balance (forged cranks).
hope this helps.

Dave C.

 

[kork340]

My marks were on the right, but I changed timing covers and water pump. Now they're on the left so will work with my radiator. So I can use one off of any 318? I just pulled one off of a 71 and the timing mark lines up with #1 up on TDC, so am I good to go? It looks the same as the one off of the 68, for a forged crank. I know all LA 318's are internally balanced that's why I thought any balancer off of a 318 would work.
Thanks.