i have a 454 gen 6 long block, the balancer is in rough shape even though they claimed it had only 50 hours and now i dont think my 1989 era flywheel will work with it?? will corrosion on the balancer throw it off much? or should i be ok? if not how do i know what balancer to buy? they are all over ebay but from what i have read there are several differnt ones. also the flywheel i was told can be different between generations and whether the crank is cast or forged. also i may have some issues on the oil and steering cooler parts, are these really needed?? i have been doing small blocks in cars for years but never worried about coolers for oil and steering. i have also seen allot of performance motors in boats that i dont think had them??? need some advice! i am getting overwhelmed with this project!

You need this fylwheel http://www.jegs.com/i/GM+Performance...6987/10002/-1#
Here is so more info
http://www.crateenginedepot.com/stor...nents-C11.aspx

Here's more http://www.stingray.nu/se/index.htm?/tips/flyflex.htm

I've had the same problem as you and I'm slowly getting there myself!

I have a 1999 Gen VI 7.4 that's now bored .060" over to a 468, running Gen VI Vortec heads, and edelbrock torker II intake and a BG Demon carb. I ran with the GM Perf Flywheel, 14096987 and I have a GIL oil cooler but I haven't factored in a PS cooler yet (my bad). The flywheels were different for the Gen VI between the 454 and 502 in that there is a counterweight for the 502 to offset the heavier rotating assembly. This is the same for the Balancer as it will have a groove fly cut on the inner side for the 454 but not 502. The older 8" stock BBC balancers fit and will work, the Gen VI just had the timing marked in degrees as stock rather than just TDC. An MSD Timing tape can rectify that on old ones. If your rubber ring or surface is corrupted, best to be safe and replace it. I went with a Powerbond 8". What intake / ignition are you going to run? The motor takes different spark plugs to a standard BBC depending on which heads you have.

Good luck, let me know if you need any help.

Regards,
John