Did you have to use longer converter bolts when using a TCI Flexplate? I have mocked mine up to the converter and the bolts thread only 2/3 of the way into the converter holes. If so what bolts did use that were long enough and strong enough?

 

Nobody on this national board has a TCI Flexplate?????

 

I was told the TC1 flexplate that I ordered was coming with bolts. SUpposedly they are on back order right now and won't get mine for another week.

 

Yes they do come with bolts and I mocked mine up to the converter and it still leaves at least 1/4 of inch of threading not used in the converter, this concerns me because the bolt should go to at least all the threads not a little over half way.

 

Hi Bigbake,
I would recommend a slightly longer bolt. Our converters use a heavy-duty 7/16x20 bolt that is slightly longer than stock. I'm not sure, but I think that the Yank converters use the stock Metric bolts. You should be able to find a quality bolt at a local hardware store that matches up to your Yank threads.
Kevin

 

Actually I have TH400 sitting in the garage and a PCI? converter. Thats why I am concerned, a TH400 with a transbrake, 4000 stall sitting behind a 383 stroker, and running on slicks. The TCI flexplate came with the stock metric bolts, so I am thinking that I will go with your idea. Thanks for the info.

 

Hi Bigbake,
It would certainly be a good idea to get all of the thread engagement that you possibly can in your car, especially with the transbrake. The bolts that we include with our flexplate are the ones that hold the flexplate to the crankshaft.
Kevin

 

doesnt anyone make bolts that are the correct length for the tci flexplate both for the crank and the torque conv.? Im gonna call summit tommorrow to see if arp makes some. maybe even in a generic bolt instead of an "LS1" application ya know? it seems safer then putting in hardware store bolts, even if they are grade 8. if not I'll go to the fastner store here and get some higher grade then the grade 8 . Im also wondering if the heads HAVE to be the low profile heads like the stock ones for clearance issues. guess I'll just ahve to see.
chris

 

I used some grade bolts from home depot. The size is 10mm by 1.5 thread width by 20 mm length. I had to use some washers on mine to get proper spacing so I used a 25mm long grade 8 bolt. If you can get a 10 or 12 grade bolt I would do it. The LS1 specific ARP flywheel bolts work good to mount the flexplate to the crank. They are 11mm bolts and pretty hard to come by other than that specific set that I got from summit for 28 dollars.

 

trent, i ordered the arp bolts for the ls1/4l60e and the heads are too tall. the length is good but the head of the bolt is taller than the stock bolts. it hits the back of the engine. using grade 8 bolts now but not strong enough. if you find something better let me know too. thanks

Gene

 

Is there any advantages of using a TCI flexplate?

 

It SFI approved and much beefier than stock. It is a good idea for someone doing a 350, 400 swap as it has a dual bolt hole design. I bought one to handle over 1000 hp since I don't trust the stocker.

 

Isnt it lighter as well.. Maybe free up some rotating mass weight.

 

It is heavier than stock. I don't know by how much, but it is thicker and heavier.

 

Well, after looking around I found this quote on the SDPC website..

" The new TCI LS1 Flexplate is made from billet steel plate and is SFI 29.1 approved. The Lightweight design provides quick engine response. Dual bolt patterns allow for stock LS1 and small GM bolt pattern torque converters."

http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/3262...-Flexplate.htm

Who knows...