Who makes a SFI flexplate for a 518?

[bgilbert]

Who makes a SFI flexplate for a 518? The ATS 2nd gen SFI flexplate will not fit our non-lockup transmissions. BTDT.

 

[sdstriper]

I cannot answer for absolutely sure they have for 1st Gen, but they have been advertising SFI's and had several on their ebay auctions. And they are reasonable compared to others I have seen.



518, 46RE Performance Transmission Parts



#CF1. Cummins Diesel SFI 29. 1 certified flexplate for the 1983 - 2006 5. 9L Cummins B series. Thirty percent thicker than the OEM flex plate. 15. 35 inch X 152 teeth. Cost $159. 00



FWIW, I bought an SFI flexplate from TDR member Pepecat last year and recently installed it with zero clearance issues etc.

 

[dzlpwr]

You can use anybodys SFI flexplate but you must make shims for some to fit properly. The problem is that most SFI flexplates are flat and the 518 mounting lugs are welded down on the sides of the TC and not flush with the top like the 618's are. (Unless its got a billet cover, then its flat on top) I used the one that ATS sells and here is how I did it. First you must bolt the flexplate to your crank, next install the TC in your transmission. Bolt the transmission to your engine with two bolts (to hold it in place) and leave the inspection plate off of the bottom of it. Measure the amount of play you have between the TC and Flexplate by moving it back and forth with a dial indicator. (You are basically pushing it toward the flexplate and then pushing it back into the transmission until it bottoms on the oil pump gear). Now remove the transmission and TC. Next, mesure the distance from the highest most point of the TC on the mounting side to the top of the mounting lugs. Then, add that distance plus half of your backlash you measured with the transmission on the engine and find some shims or washers that are that thickness. Tack weld those shims to the TC and install the transmission and TC on the engine again. Now make sure that the mounting lugs are flush agianst the flexplate and you have enough play left that you aren't bottoming the TC out on the oil pump gear when its installed. I know its a long process but it works very well.

 

[dodgenstein]

I have dzlpwr's old trans/convertor/flexplate in my truck. It works exactly as he describes above. The only issue I had was the bolt heads had to be ground slightly to clear the adapter plate. I just wish I had spent the money on a built trans 10 years ago. Tire chirping shifts at full throttle, instant takeoff, and an all-around solid feeling is great.