Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Aftermarket Flexplate

[Nate]

TDR, don't fail me now :-laf

I am currently rebuilding the transmission in my truck.

I have heard that the stock flexplate isn't that great and it's a good idea to replace it. I estimate my truck to be around 350hp, so it's not too crazy.

The laminated/billet flexplates are nice, but $375-500 isn't so much in my price range.

I found a beefed up SFI approved one:

SFI Flexplate, cummins flexplate, SFI flexplates, flexplate

PATC also sells the same flexplate for $159. PATC is a pretty well known company, so I wouldn't imagine they'd sell something that is junk.

700R4, 700 Raptor Transmission from PATC, 700R4 4L60E 48RE 4L80E


I was wondering if anyone on here is running one, and their impressions with it.

If I "need" to throw down $400 for a laminated unit, I will, but I think this beefed up one will be ok.

 

[DCreed]

Nate, dont fool yourself, your combo could go much higher if you want it to. that said, you dont want to do this job again . so if you can, then do it all now. I run the stocker, so far it hasnt failed but I'll prob change to six gear soon. you seem to have been bitten by the bomb bug too and it wont be long untill the power goes up so plan now or pay much more later from damage.

 

[Huff N Puff]

Be really careful running other than stock flex plate,because if its slightly thicker you'll have to modifiy the converter oil drive slot other wise you could destroy the front pump.

 

[bbodammer]

yeah nate,not to sure on your year truck but I'm still running the stock one and it holds up just fine. My setup is worth 525/1085 FWIW. I wouldn't worry about it unless that year is prone to breaking.

 

[Joe Mc]

Nate - Check signature for HP/TQ and yep I'm running the stock flex plate. If you are doing the trans I'd go with one of the more well known outfits, I'm partail to DTT but there's others out there that specifically build for diesel engines. Like DCreed mentioned do it once - yeah 350 hp, then 500 then ??? do it once so it doesn't have to come out later either broken or to bomb it for the next hp/tq jump. . .

 

[Nate]

So, as I gather, the stock flexplate is pretty much ok unless I'm running BIG power... . like 600hp plus?

 

[raychem]

So, as I gather, the stock flexplate is pretty much ok unless I'm running BIG power... . like 600hp plus?

Yep your fine with it, Many trucks go 500hp plus with the stocker. Disclaimer... if it is mechanical it is bound to fail. This is relavent to many other things too. The stocks do fail but it is rare with the 2nd gen motors, the 3rd gens are not as good as the 2nd gen flexplates are.







Richard

 

[Nate]

I decided to run the stocker. Maybe it will break before the $750 input shaft... that's my theory anyhow.

 

[BTowler]

Nate, a broken flexplate can cost you not only a transmission, but a motor as well. There have been numerous failures over 400hp. Running a stock flexplate over 400hp is taking a huge risk! One guy ran a stocker on a 500+hp truck, when it went it cost him over $8000 to fix it! $400-500. 00 is cheap insurance if you ask me. Suncoast won't ship a transmission without one if you are over 400hp.

 

[DCreed]

thought I would bring this back up as I DID break my stock flexplate!#@$%!

I have a stronger unit on its way and hope I caught it early enough to have minimized damage.

HUFF- what are you talking about? Do you have pics?

 

[drag racer]

PATC also sells the same flexplate for $159. PATC is a pretty well known company, so I wouldn't imagine they'd sell something that is junk.

700R4, 700 Raptor Transmission from PATC, 700R4 4L60E 48RE 4L80E

I was wondering if anyone on here is running one, and their impressions with it.

I have one of the PATC SFI flexplates. It is made by CAT, and is definitely Chinese-made, because everything CAT sells is. I have not installed it yet. It looks decent, but can't comment on how it fits performs. I, like you, was struggling whether to drop $500 on a billet one.

 

[EBung]

I have one of the PATC SFI flexplates. It is made by CAT, and is definitely Chinese-made, because everything CAT sells is. I have not installed it yet. It looks decent, but can't comment on how it fits performs. I, like you, was struggling whether to drop $500 on a billet one.

I have noticed alot of billet shaft manufacturers dont warranty billet shafts connected to billet flexplates. I think the billet ones take the FLEX out of the equation and dont cushion the shafts. I have also read that the 3rd gens have weaker flex plates than the 2nds. Just my . 02. That being said I have broke a billet input with a stock flex.

 

[Huff N Puff]

If the flex plate is thicker,

thought I would bring this back up as I DID break my stock flexplate!#@$%!

I have a stronger unit on its way and hope I caught it early enough to have minimized damage.

HUFF- what are you talking about? Do you have pics?

It will move the converter towards the transmission front pump,the hub of the converter will push on the driving gear of the front pump a little further. You need about . 100" of clearance,between the converter and the flexplate after you bolt up the bellhousing.