BIG_MIKE2005

iTrader: (116)

Ok, so with my upcoming auto swap I'm looking for all the information I can find as I go. I don't want to buy a part only to regret it later on. So with that being said id like to get some feedback on these SFI approved flexplates.

First up is this B&M part #130-20340, it's listed for $87 from Jeg's
http://www.jegs.com/i/B-M/130/20340/...rentProductId=

Next up is the TCI part #890-399753, listed for $270 from Jeg's
http://www.jegs.com/i/TCI/890/399753...oductId=746478

Then I noticed one from Hays part #490-10-030 listed for $192 from Jeg's
http://www.jegs.com/i/Hays/490/10-03...oductId=757704

Finally the Hughes part #512-HP4004X, listed for $148 from Jeg's
http://www.jegs.com/i/Hughes-Perform...oductId=969792

Now here is where I get confused. By looking solely at pricing one would assume this is a list of bottom of the barrel to higher end. But is this the truth? Is the TCI unit that much better of quality over the B&M to justify the price difference? What is the real world results people have had? Is one of these plates really that much better than the other? Which one is preferred by the majority due to quality/performance? All (4) option seem to have regular holes instead of the kidney shaped holes. Which I heard is a design improvement but could use some clarification on this as well.

I'm sure I'm not the only one curious about this. I tried a search but didn't really find what I was looking for so let's discuss....

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Not long ago a guy posted about the Hughes being way out of round. I'd go with TCI if money allowed, its a proven piece.

RevGTO

iTrader: (12)

TCI is pretty much a proven piece. As of some years ago, the hot tip was to grind off the powerdcoating from around the bolt holes to enable the bolts to fully seat.

IIRC, the problematic thinner flexplates were 2000-up. 1999's should be ok. For that matter, my 2000 was perfect when inspected on both converter swaps.

ironmanLS1

iTrader: (9)

I had received a Hughes and was not impressed with the stamping. The converter was not going to sit flush on the one I got. Returned it and got an ATI flexplate. It is a very nice piece.

mrvedit

The Hughes is stamped; the TCI is machined. I have never read a single complaint (other than price) about the TCI. It is what I have and it has held up perfectly to my frequent transmission swaps (for testing parts).

BIG_MIKE2005

iTrader: (116)

Hmm, I had just read several people talking about the stock flexplates cracking after a stall was added. Just kinda made me wonder if it is even worth it to try to get a good condition stock unit or just buy an aftermarket piece. I'm still leaning towards the aftermarket piece. But if funds don't allow it I'll have no choice but to grab a stock unit.

I think I'll call the local Camaro/Firebird salvage & see what they want for a stock 1999 flexplate. I'm sure they got at least one, how much they will try to rape me for is the bigger question, LOL.

Camaro9969

iTrader: (12)

Not to bring this thread back from the dead but felt like this is a good piece of info to share....dont buy a cheap stamped plate!!

floman

iTrader: (54)

I spent the bucks and went with the TCI on my 4L85E swap. Very heavy duty flexplate compared to some of the cheaper units. Since it is fairly labor intensive to R&R a transmission in a F-Body I would say buy the best you can afford. Would hate to have to R&R my tranny again because an inferior part failed Just my .02 cents.

SnIpEz

iTrader: (4)

Another advocate of the TCI plate here. Solid piece, never seen a problem with it to date. Not sure about the validity of the hot tip mentioned above by grinding off the powder coating to ensure proper bolt to plate mating, as the TCI plate is not powder coated and in fact no SFI rated flexplate is powder coated because that goes against their requirements. The TCI is electro-coated, but if it were powdercoated, I could see how that idea would make sense.

wildcamaro

iTrader: (15)

Camaro9969. How long did you have that flexplate until the yank flexplate came apart, I just installed one and the welds looked good, but just curious nonetheless..

Camaro9969

iTrader: (12)

It had some hard miles on it with about 25 pass on it 15 were in the 950hp range but still i dont think it should have broken like this and caused a mess. Buzzed my motor up to 7780rpm from 5500 instantly when it snapped. I have had it since March. But did some research and its actually a restamped CAT product which i'm sure you have heard about them

BWZ_2k2Z28

not trying to hijack this thread but I'm about to install a 3600 stall and I want to know if I'll be okay with a stock flexplate. I'm pretty much stock except for exhaust. I doubt I'm even at 330hp. What are yalls opinions?

jsteele90

iTrader: (13)

^^^^^^stock is fine at your power level. When i installed my built trans i used a bm flexplate and arp bolts on the converter and flexplate, but thats only because i like to do things once and be done with it.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

I'm not saying the CAT is a great piece but asking 950hp and 7500+ rpms is a little much.......we all know its a china piece.

Shownomercy

iTrader: (1)

Stamped stuff is all us LT1 153 tooth people have to work with, and so far mine was without issue. Snapped the torque converter bolts off but thats a separate issue.

Ordered a TCI replacement, and maybe come next season I will upgrade to 168 tooth style with a new starter and get the fancy billet stuff you LSX guys get.

DANOZ28

iTrader: (1)

i went with the least expensive SFI plate for $85 at summit. yank sells one for $120. that was my other choice.

sbcgenII

iTrader: (1)

That is the $120 yank plate in post #7.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Those used to sell for $70ish on ebay under the CAT Power name.

Kingc8r

iTrader: (21)

I have the Yank FP, hopefully mine doesn't do that lol

LS-ONE_DAY

If you want the absolute best from what I've heard FTI makes an amazing flexplate and it looks awesome too but that may be overkill since it's over $250, I want to say it was $300 but I could be mistaken

http://fticonverters.com/Accessories/FlexPlates.aspx

In any case, I didn't want to risk getting a rebranded Chinese one (I think they have the peanut shaped holes?) but I ended up not replacing my flexplate, it looked good when the converter was installed.