Unbreakable Flexplate

[HVAC]

OK, huddle up those of you that run the auto transmission. How much would a unbreakable replacement flexplate be worth to you??? Naturally this is intended for those running over 500 horsepower.



$700. 00 bucks? More? $650. 00 smackers???



I can get a new output shaft for $120. 00. While the billet

replacement is $600 bucks. The stock flexplate is about $200 so that would make the unbreakable aftermarket replacement worth approximately $1,000. 00 using the same multiplier. I think it can be accomplished for less then that



For those that don't want to venture a guess to the worth of a aftermarket unbreakable flexplate, we still need to have you jump in hear and let us know your interested. So please post a response here so we can determine wether it makes sense to proceed with this project.

 

[Sled Puller]

The few serious guys would belly up and pay $1200, pretty fast.



If you could keep it around $500-$600, I think, just about everyone would get one, who is doing the transmission.



The standard guys are paying $1800 for good clutches, and $850 for input shafts.



That is rather steep.



If the builder doesn't get greedy, the volume will be there, and then some to pay for the design/set up costs.

 

[propuller]

I would be interested in a new flex plate if it is priced within reason. When i changed my transmission i could'nt believe how cheap & lightweight the stock ones are & now everytime i hook to a sled that's all i think about is that POS coming apart. Let us know who to send the check to . thanks kurt.

 

[Jetpilot]

I think there is a market for a product like this... ... Some of the questions that come to mind besides price are:



1 What would it weigh?

2 What is it made of?

3 Guarantee?

4 Would this guarantee be just for the flexplate or include damage caused by its failure?

5 SFI rated?



Just some thoughts. I believe that there are at least 2 other companies working on this same idea. Hopefully there will be some good options other than the OEM flexplate available soon.



Doug

 

[HVAC]

Better Quality Flexplate

Sled Puller said:



"If you could keep it around $500-$600, I think, just about everyone would get one, who is doing the transmission. "



I'm inclined to agree with that statement. I think the product could easily cost $650. At around that price it would be good insurance.



Propuller, thanks for letting us know your thoughts.

 

[Snow man]

Im very interested,Im on on flexplate #2 right now.

 

[Sled Puller]

Originally posted by HVAC

. The stock flexplate is about $200 so that would make the unbreakable aftermarket replacement worth approximately $1,000. 00 using the same multiplier. I think it can be accomplished for less then that



.

HVAC,

I have priced stock plates at 67$, so where does that leave your multiplier?



Doug,

I have never seen a hot rod part warranty against anything besides itself.

In other words, if it rips your bellhousing in half, they will give a new flex plate, and thats it.



I would hope the company that builds one would have a few guys test one first.

 

[HVAC]

Good Price

Sled Deity said:



"I have priced stock plates at 67$, so where does that leave your multiplier?"



You check pricing on automatic transmission parts? Well, OK, I'll post the current price from Dodge on Monday. It'll be posted here.



Setting up some test mules is what preceeded this thread. Naturally the prototypes will be run in sled pulling as well as the manly sport of drag racing

 

[Jetpilot]

Local Cummins shop sells the OEM flexplate for $104.



Doug

 

[fox]

I am still using my stock one but would buy a better one if it was available.



$500 is ok with me.

 

[Hammer]

Has anyone ever looked into if any of the SFI approved ones for a 727 fit at all???. After all these trannies are based off of them and early on they used that case. I do realize that the crank bolt pattern may be different,but,in all these threads I never have seen if anyone has tried it or not... ... . Andy

 

[HVAC]

Good Idea

Great idea Andy, let us know what you come up with.

 

[fox]

The SFI 727 flex plates do not have a ring gear.

 

[therabbittree]

iu thought a lot of flex plates or fly wheel dont have ring gears . . i thought you heated the ring gear up and slide it on and it cooled in place on the flex plate or fly wheel?... any how im definately interested in one but i'd need a 727 one . . as thats what i run in my truck . .

later

Deo

 

[Josparkz]

ttt

 

[HVAC]

Ring Gears

Deo, you have described the way to replace a ring gear on a thick flywheel for a stick transmission. You don't replace the ring gear on a flex plate, you just purchase a new flexplate.



It was mentioned that some flexplates don't have ring gears. That's true of course. In that case the ring gear is on the torque converter. This is NOT out of the question for our purposes. A number of scenarios are being considered.



The thing is, if the flexplate is made to be thicker, this will impact the dimensions of the TC. I'm speaking of the clearance between the end of the crank and the front pump in the trans. This may necessitate a converter redesign to work with the modified flexplate. If this is the case, the two pieces would need to be a set, purchased as an assembly so to speak. You would not be able to run the thicker aftermarket flexplate with converters built as we know them now.



BTW, I think this type of thing, knockin' around, brainstorming a fix for this new problem that has turned up is a very cool use of this site

 

[drtrox]

FWIW, back in 85 I had an Isuzu diesel in an 81 Suburban with a turbo 400 behind it. Couldn't keep a flex plate in it. Finally had a "thicker" flex plate built at a machine shop and guess what did the flexing then (and broke)? The torque converter. Just something to think about... The "flex" plate needs to be able to flex!





#ad

 

[RDusch]

I don't know if Ford still does but My old 84 ford with a 6. 9 diesel and auto trans, had a flexplate (flywheel) that was a machined 1 1/2" thick flywheel with removable ring gear, looked just like a manual flywheel, bolted directly to the crank and to the converter so i would think this would be possible.



If you where to make a thicker flex plate, instead of modifying the converter would it be possible to bolt a 1/2" (or whatever thickness would be needed) spacer plate between the bell housing and engine???



Rick

 

[your mom]

My understanding is that a flex plate is supposed to "flex". Making it unbreakable by increasing the density or thickness is not the answer. If it was, someone would have simply made one from titanium,... ... game over. Its a question of metallurgy strength combined with flexibilty to decrease the shock or sudden power tranferred to the next part... . isn't it?

I'm just asking, if it's simply a question of making it stronger that's easy. There's more to it then that and it sounds like HVAC needs to think it through more.

I have heard that there are other companies who are in the final stages of testing new flex plates and they are in the $400. 00 neighborhood. (don't quote me on that)

 

[fox]

The flex plate needs to flex forward and rearward.

My guess is the turbo 400 application above broke the converter because it only had 3 lugs instead of 6. Is that correct?

We dodge guys are ripping the center out of the flex plate, so that is where it needs reinforced. The probable cause is low rpm lock-up, but not always.

I bet most are broken with the 12 valve motor.