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
John They have been saying they would make one for about 2 1/2 years now we asked them at pri last month and they said real soon ( ya right ). just to let you know
Buyer Beware. It sound to cheap to be true. Plus check the NHRA rules, I believe the flex plates actually have an expiration on the certification. I could be wrong, though I don't think a tech guy is actually going to check the tag, at most I have seen them take a quick glance. Anyway see if the company will ship COD. If it doesn't come after a few months you can always refuse it once you get one elsewhere. If they want payment up front I would be extremely leary as the price is almost too good. It may very well be ligit and I hope it is, but I would first do a little checking first. Rick
Thanks for the thoughts Bob & Rick SFI recommends replacement or re-certification after 3 years http://www.sfifoundation.com/ I just spoke with Jamie at C.A.T and he confirmed they are SFI approved and in stock. He also gave me an Illinois distributor (Villoni Auto?) @ 800-373-3616. The current price would be $60.00 Considering this is my first Big Block race-car project, I'm going to stick with what is tried, true & time-tested (JW). Looking at a flexplate I personally wouldn't know quality from crap... I would suggest someone that is a bit more seasoned look into this though. Although I support our Buick suppliers / friends, good 'ol competition lowers prices, benefits the customer, and allows me to buy more stuff... John
Any SFI item that the racing organizations require will come with an expiration date, regardless of the manufacturer. The SFI foundation is a very good aftermarket organization, they are the safety watchdog of the racing industry. Any item that carries the SFI sticker ( if it's good enough for them) is good enough for me. Thanks Jim Wilson
Well, I ordered a bunch of parts for the stageII motor today. Sould be running in two weeks. Talking with Dave at TA getting prices as I order bearings, oil pump stuff ect.... I ask about the SFI flexplate. $200 :eek2: I called Jamie at CAT and the buick flexplate has been out for 3 weeks now and is in stock. His local supplier for me is Competition Sales which I know very well. I'm going to get one and have Chris at G&G test the fit and offset. Then make sure it zero balances to a factory unit. Let you know how it works out....
I changed my mind regarding the JW. The "CAT" flexplate arrived today. Total to the door was $69.95 This is what the sheet that came with it says: "CAT high performance flexplates are specially designed to provide superior strength and reliability for heavt duty and racing engines. CAT flexplates are manufactured state-of-the-art in compliance with SFI specification. Inner plate is manufactured from stamped, cold rolled, and non-resulfurized carbon steel. Gear ring is made from high manganses carbon steel. Double Mig welded on gear ring to stand higher moment of inertia for faster shifts and frequently engine kick on and off." I'm attaching some pictures.
Bob. Yes it came with a SFI sticker. Unfortunatly it doesn't line up correctly on the crank. I have a stock flex plate to compare and this one is definitely different. I'll keep the board posted on what I find out regarding exchange, refund, etc...
At Your Own Risk. I'd caution against buying this product. Is there anyone else that has ordered one and installed? The race shop (Villani) is open to exchange. They say they have another on the shelf. I haven't broached the refund topic yet. -----Original Message----- From: Hixon, John Sent: Tuesday, February 04, 2003 3:31 PM To: 'catpepjamiea' Subject: RE: Buick 455 flexplate Jamie, Please recheck with an actual Buick 455 crank. If not, please put me in touch with a distributor that can better educate me in the installation. I've checked against a stock crank and flexplate and they positively do not match. I'm a member of three different Buick organizations/performance clubs and no one that I have been in contact with has used your product. For a product that has been available for less than 30 days I have a hard time digesting your confidence. Your response isn't what I was hoping for in terms of customer service as you offer me no means to rectify the situation. Best Regards, John -----Original Message----- From: catpepjamiea [mailto:jamiea@catpep.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 04, 2003 3:33 PM To: Hixon, John Subject: Re: Buick 455 flexplate John, We took the flexplate and lined it up with the blueprints and the flexplate bolt pattern is right on with the blueprints. We have sold plenty others and there have not been any problems with them. Thank you, Jamie ----- Original Message ----- From: Hixon, John <John.Hixon@Nextel.com> To: <jamiea@catpep.com> Sent: Saturday, February 01, 2003 6:20 PM Subject: Buick 455 flexplate Jamie, I just received my flexplate from Villani Auto. It doesn't line up correctly on the crank. The crank is stock and the stock flexplate fits fine. Please let me know what steps to take to remedy. Thanks, John Hixon
Can anyone shed some light re: Jamie's questions? -----Original Message----- From: catpepjamiea [mailto:jamiea@catpep.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 04, 2003 4:18 PM To: Hixon, John Subject: Re: Buick 455 flexplate John, I'm not saying the flexplate is not defective. It could be that paticular flexplate that you have. You can return it and we can try another out. We have no problem taking back the flexplate because there is a chance there is a bad flexplate. Maybe you can help me out, were the flywheels/flexplates the same on all years of the 455 Buick. I have asked around and most people said they belived they were all the same but they were checking for me. Because that could be the problem if there is different flywheels for different years. Thanks, Jamie
Just out of curiosity did you rotate the flywheel to see if the holes line up. I know my JW goes on one way and will not line up unless it is in the correct position just a few thoughts.
Phil, I rotated it and rotated it and rotated it. I then tried again the next day thinking somehow the magic flex fairy may have stopped by >>>> Still Nogo. :ball:
John, There is only 1 Buick 400/430/455 crankshaft, and except for a few visual differences, they are all identical. Only 1 bolt pattern from 67-76. Somebodies trying to "pass the buck" here. I would spend the extra dough, by a JW, and call it a day. But even then, make sure you line up the weight with the stock flexplate.. I have seen them with the weight in the wrong postion or on the wrong side. JW (no, not "that" JW p )
The final Word Hopefully my experience will save some others from the same: -----Original Message----- From: catpepjamiea [mailto:jamiea@catpep.com] Sent: Thursday, February 06, 2003 1:55 PM To: Hixon, John Subject: Re: Buick 455 flexplate John, I have to apolagize to you.The flexplate does match up with the blueprints, but the blueprints arefor the 455 Olds flexplate. Our blueprints were wrong and the flexplate was boxxed wrong. We hope to have the correct ones within 2-3 months. Thanks, Jamie
