Taking apart a 283 for rebuild, I took off the scrawny harmonic balancer. Should I reuse it or put on a real one? Any difference? Also, what's the next step up from an "rv" style cam that will have street manners and a smooth idle for the above motor? Thanks---

Taking apart a 283 for rebuild, I took off the scrawny harmonic balancer. Should I reuse it or put on a real one? Any difference? Also, what's the next step up from an "rv" style cam that will have street manners and a smooth idle for the above motor? Thanks---
Forged-crank 283s had a solid hub.

Cast-crank 283s had a tiny, thin damper.

You MUST have a damper on a cast-crank 283. I'd want one on any engine, including a forged-crank 283.

If that were MY engine, I'd shove a bigger damper on it; and a timing pointer to match.

learned something there... always under the impression that all 283 cranks were forged.

Seems like a good time to drill/tap for a dampner retaining bolt.

learned something there... always under the impression that all 283 cranks were forged.
http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/data/500/medium/Cast_crank_big_1.jpg


http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/data/500/medium/Cast_crank_big_2.jpg

Thanks guys- I'll pull the balancer off my 327 and move it over. --Rich