Flexplate Gap???
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Pecatonica IL
Flexplate Gap???
Just putting the new motor in today, (first time ever, and by myself 
), and as I went to bolt the flexplate to the converter, I noticed about a 3/16 gap between the pad and the plate. 
Is this normal? There seems to be a little less gap whe I look up inside the bell housing. The tranny is bolted up tight and I don't want to distort the flexplate. Please tell me I don't have to pull this thing back out!!
), and as I went to bolt the flexplate to the converter, I noticed about a 3/16 gap between the pad and the plate. Is this normal? There seems to be a little less gap whe I look up inside the bell housing. The tranny is bolted up tight and I don't want to distort the flexplate. Please tell me I don't have to pull this thing back out!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 6
Originally Posted by c3-4me
.....I noticed about a 3/16 gap between the pad and the plate.
Is this normal? There seems to be a little less gap whe I look up inside the bell housing. The tranny is bolted up tight and I don't want to distort the flexplate......
Is this normal? There seems to be a little less gap whe I look up inside the bell housing. The tranny is bolted up tight and I don't want to distort the flexplate......
1. The pilot is messed up in some way so it won't fit properly into the crank. It needs to be perfectly round and measure out no more than 1.703" in diameter.
2. You've got the wrong flex plate. It's hitting the front cover of the converter, not allowing the pads to properly sit on it.
Don't just crank down the bolts to force it in place....you'll be sorry!
What tranny is this? Is it a stock converter or an aftermarket unit?
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
From: Geneva Ohio
The torque convertor should slide out to meet the flexplate. If this is the case 3/16 is about the right distance. If there is more than that you should use equal thin washers to keep the gap around 3/16. If the flexplate is pulling out to meet the convertor you have a problem with the convertor not centering in the crankshaft. You should check to see if there is a pilot bushing in the end of the crank from a previous standard shift trans. If there is you will need to remove it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 6
Originally Posted by red79vette454
The torque convertor should slide out to meet the flexplate. If this is the case 3/16 is about the right distance. If there is more than that you should use equal thin washers to keep the gap around 3/16. If the flexplate is pulling out to meet the convertor you have a problem with the convertor not centering in the crankshaft. You should check to see if there is a pilot bushing in the end of the crank from a previous standard shift trans. If there is you will need to remove it.
Damn, man. That is a nice photo of your 79 launching in your avatar (which I clicked on to get to the full size version). Do you have any photos of it where the wheels are actually off the ground?
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
From: Geneva Ohio
Originally Posted by 45ACP
off topic......
Damn, man. That is a nice photo of your 79 launching in your avatar (which I clicked on to get to the full size version). Do you have any photos of it where the wheels are actually off the ground?
Damn, man. That is a nice photo of your 79 launching in your avatar (which I clicked on to get to the full size version). Do you have any photos of it where the wheels are actually off the ground?
Those launches are on 8 1/2" ET Street tires and foot braking it.
This year with offset trailing arms and 11" slicks and transbrake we sure hope to hang the front tires.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 6
Originally Posted by red79vette454
Thank you !
Those launches are on 8 1/2" ET Street tires and foot braking it.
This year with offset trailing arms and 11" slicks and transbrake we sure hope to hang the front tires.
Those launches are on 8 1/2" ET Street tires and foot braking it.
This year with offset trailing arms and 11" slicks and transbrake we sure hope to hang the front tires.
