GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The 1997-2004 5.7L LS1/LS6 engine with crankshaft balancer is a balanced assembly. On manual transmission applications, the flywheel, clutch, and pressure plate is also a balanced assembly. During the powertrain build process, balance weights may be added to the crankshaft balancer and/or flywheel as required.

In order to maintain engine/clutch assembly balance, it may be necessary to install or remove balance weights as detailed below:

Crankshaft Balancer

    • Existing balancer onto existing engine:
        The balancer position must be marked prior to removal and installed to the original position. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer Removal .
    • New balancer onto an existing engine:
         Install the same size balance weights into the new balancer in the same location as the old component. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer Cleaning and Inspection .

Engine Flywheel

Important: The flywheel, clutch, and pressure plate are a balanced assembly and are not available as individual components. The pressure plate mounts or locates onto the flywheel via two dowel pins in the flywheel. If the pressure plate is not aligned properly onto the dowel pins and tightened down, the pins may bend and the plate may be incorrectly positioned which will effect component balance. Refer to Clutch Assembly Replacement .

    • Existing flywheel, clutch, and pressure plate assembly onto the existing engine:
         Flywheel position must be marked prior to removal and installed to the original position. Refer to Engine Flywheel Removal .
    • Existing flywheel, clutch, and pressure plate onto a new engine:
        Remove balance weights, if applicable from the flywheel.
    • New flywheel, clutch, and pressure plate assembly onto an existing engine:
        Do not transfer or install balance weights.
    • New flywheel, clutch, and pressure plate assembly onto a new engine:
        Do not install balance weights.