Balancing services

[bugnut68]

When having parts balanced at a machine shop, can it be any shop that does such services, or must it be a VW-specific shop?  I'm very limited as to where I can get parts to without having to mail order (which would cost a fortune with bottom end componentry weighing as much as they do!)... driving 100 miles to a slightly bigger town would be much more viable for me, just checking to see what I need to look for in a machine shop.

[Donny B.]

The first time I had my engine balanced I had it done at a V8 shop.  They did a good job.  VW cranks are much easier to do than V8 cranks because they are horizontally opposed.  Get the crank balanced by itself then add the flywheel and pulley and have it balanced as a unit.  I'm pretty sure they would do it that way anyway, but what the heck just make sure.  If they do a lot of engines they should do a good job.

[Jim Ratto]

watch how they balance your pistons. I had a V8 balance shop murder a set of brand new 94's.

[louisb]

I am sure any machine shop would have the capability, equipment wise, to balance your engine. Having said that, I have tried a few none VW machine shops in the past and the results were not that great. Having someone with VW knowledge is helpful. Which is why I will be boxing up the parts for my engines and shipping them to brothers.

--louis

[SlingShot]

watch how they balance your pistons. I had a V8 balance shop murder a set of brand new 94's.

Do explain

[Bruce]

The simple solution to the piston problem is to balance them yourself.  All that's needed is a scale and die grinder.  Then let the V8 shop balance the rotating stuff.  A Bug's crank is SOOOOO much easier than doing a V8 crank that any shop could do it. 
My local V8 shop did mine.  They did have some VW experience, but better is a respect for your project.  If the guy rolls his eyes when you mention VW, you know he's gonna do a crappy job.

When I took my parts in, I had a set of timing/cam gears to go on it.  They first balanced the crank bare.  Then they added the gears and flywheel.  Then balanced the flywheel, but not after checking the runout.  Next they added the clutch.  Finally the stock pulley.  If you know you're going to drive this engine a LOT of miles, maybe get a second clutch balanced, I wish I had.

Anyone have the clutch disc balanced?