CTD engine balancing

["Mad Max"]

I'm much more familiar with small block and big block Mopar engines and what happens to the balance of the reciprocating mass to each when swapping transmissions, flywheels, converters, etc, and I'm wanting to know if a Cummins has similar 'issues' when swapping transmissions. For example, my project will include swapping out the A518 in lieu of a NV4500, which includes replacing the flexplate/converter with a flywheel/clutch. Any balance issues with this or is it a simple nuts and bolts swap?



I could have tacked this onto an existing thread, but in case someone in the future wants to search on titles I thought it'd be a good thread on its own.



- M2

 

[dpuckett]

From what I have read, the balance only becomes an issue when 4000+ rpm is reached. I know that a lot of autos have been swapped for manuals of one sort or another, so I' venture to sya no, you wont need a balance of the engine. Make sure you buy good quality, OEM stuff, and you should be good to go. If I am not mistaken, the flywheels and clutches are balanced at the time of manufacture, right?



Daniel

 

[cerberusiam]

The 5. 9 is internally balanced so swapping whats beyond the crank shaft is just nuts and bolts. That engine has a bunch of different uses so external balancing to every combo would be a real pain.

 

[Makaio]

Daniel,



Yeah, they're balanced at the last part of the assembly line. Back in the 80's when I was heavy into rebuilding and high performance, we balanced the whole crankshaft, flywheel and clutch as an assembly. If we swapped out a clutch only, we would at least balance the flywheel AND pressure plate together. We were taught although it's factory balanced individually, it was better to balance assembled or partially with the most parts possible. Let's keep an eye out if Sam starts revving 4000+.



Aloha,

Matt

 

[1stgen4evr]

Having rubbed elbows with more than a thousand new (industrial) CTDs, I can tell you that even though they are balanced from the factory, some are better than others. If you are going for performance, thorough balancing by a qualified shop is worth the effort.



I have also noted that the manuals and the automatics sometimes have a tremble from the flywheel/clutch balance as well as the torque converter. These would all be considered 'in spec' but they can be improved.



I have seen the result of balancing and it is clearly apparent.



James