I'd say you have a good chance. The motor is moving better with the balancer off. The balancer looks like a second keyway was attempted to be made into it. Very likely the timing of the spark was off which caused the occasional backfire and no start.
^What he said.
We had that problem with a guys car and it drove us batty for 6 months litterally until finally someone suggested looking at the balancer. Sure enough, it was driven on with the key and slot not lined up.
Comp Turbo 6765 T4-ST5-A2A IC-Ported Heads-Custom Turbo headers-80 lb inj-F-Body UIM and LIM-AEM WB, TEP trans w 1" chain and Circle D TC, Dual 255s, Bilstien Struts
WHY IS EVERYONE SO OPPOSED TO DOING A COMPRESSION TEST TO TROUBLESHOOT PROBLEMS?