I am in the process of removing my balancers from my motors because they are rusty and look terrible. Was told by a few people that they would replace instead of cleaning up or painting? Any opinions on this? Also they are BHJ balancers not sure how good these are compared to others - Fluidampers??? ANyone have favorites and best ones if I replace??

I use ATI.

Storm,
If the only problem with them is cosmetic, and the rubber is not all cracked up, you can glass bead them and almost make them look like new. I dont know how old they are and if the rubber shows any sign of deterioration they shoudl be replaced
If the engine is not highly modified, a good stock replacement damper like one from Pioneer should be all you need. Stock GM ones would be fine too.

I personally prefer ATI for performance builds.

HTH

Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md

What is your definition of highly modified? The motors are 540 cu with Littlefield Blowers putting out 900 hp. I will need to examine the rubber closer.

I would not run a balancer with rubber on a supercharged engine. That engine should really be internally balanced. Are you sure it isn't? As mentioned above, I ONLY use ATI balancers.
Eddie

Storm,

There would be no doubt on that one, if I was going to run a damper, it would be ATI . The crankshaft should also have a second keyway in it 180 degrees from the original one.

The only marine engine I have done with a supercharger, we did not use a damper at all, only a blower drive hub. It was a 540 with a 420 B&M, made around the same horsepower as yours on Dave's (MDG) dyno 7 or 8 years ago. As far as I know it is still running to this day with no problems.

That being said .... if yours has been running ok for a good long time, and you have not had any problems, you should be ok with going back to the same setup the original builder used.

Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md

If I do clean them up what is best way to protect them? Paint, plating, etc.

Storm,
Prime them with a good anti rust primer, then paint them with a high quality engine paint.