Realizing that the JW Wheel at $200 is currently the only option, would folks be interested in a stamped, OEM-style, SFI-approved flexplate with a selling price closer to $100? It would look like this:
It would be a cheaper offering for the guy on a budget (arn't we all) I will say yes but it is a little late for me as I have invested in the JW SFI flywheel. But defenetly a future build up piece for me.
What about strength??? (sp) are we talking Stronger than OEM but not quite as strong as JW's. Any ider at this pointo No: I vote yes, but strength is a concern.
These would be not unlike what we currently offer for the Chevy engines; i.e. .035" thicker than stock, starter ring welded to both sides, constructed from a high tensile strength material to resist elongation and cracking. We are working on a Pontiac flexplate right now (our current Pontiac SFI unit is constructed similarly to the JW) so I thought I would gauge interest in a Buick version as well.
yes I would buy one as so as their available.I'm in the market for one right now.Been keeping my eye on the ones offered on E-bay right now.
FLEXPLATES - SFI CERTIFIED I found this the otherday if someone might want to check into them.....I already have a JW flexplate, but thought someone might be interested. I have no idea about the quality though. http://www.catpep.com/Products/ProductDetail.asp?Part_Category_ID=10 FLEXPLATES - SFI CERTIFIED All C.A.T. heavy duty Flexplates are manufactured from highest quality stamped carbon steel. Gear rings are made from 1045 steel for continuous kick ons and offs. All flexplates are double welded to a 0.15" center plate to meet SFI requirements. C.A.T. Flexplates feature zinc plated surfaces to resist rust and maintain appearance. Part Number Application List Price FP-173 GM 173 $42 FP-302 FORD 302/351W - EARLY MODEL $42 FP-302L FORD 302/351 W - LATE MODEL $48 FP-302SR FORD 302 - 157 TEETH 28OZ $60 FP-302SRHO FORD 302 - 157 TEETH 50OZ $60 FP-305 GM305/350 - 153 TEETH $42 FP-350 GM 350 EARLY MODEL $42 FP-350L GM350 - LATE MODEL $48 FP-400 GM 400 $45 FP-454 GM 454 $45 FP-454L GM 454 LATE MODEL $48 FP-455 PONTIAC 455 $48 FP-455B BUICK 455 $48 FP-460 FORD 460 LATE MODEL W/W $48 FP-460A FORD 460 LATE MODEL W/O $48
Interesting. I never heard of those C.A.T.s before. p I had a suspicion about those and I was right. From their site: I won't pass judgement on the products without actually seeing some but the products we're producing are made in the US of A. I think I'll get my hands on some of these for a look-see.
Can someone tell me what the FULL job of a flexplate is other than to start the car? Sorry I'm so naiive, but I just never thought much about them. o No:
The flex plate is designed to flex as the converter grows due to internal forces. That's about all I know about it! o No:
Simply put...The converter and the flexplate are both connectors, one fluid and the other mechanical...the flexplate also acts as a lever between the crank flange and the converter...and as such must absorb approximately the same forces (torque) as the converter.
"CAT" flexplate Has anyone looked at or run this flexplate? http://www.catpep.com/Products/ProductDetail.asp?Part_Category_ID=10 The company seems legit. They are listed as a manufacturer on the SFI web site and also were a sponser on the PHR Engine Masters Challenge. http://www.enginemasters.com/sponsors.shtml If the piece is good, it's hard to beat $48.00... Thanks for the feedback --John
SFI plates at Poston & TA are in the 200 bones range. "Cats" claims to be $48.00 Granted, "too good to be true" may apply. John
