Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
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flexplate spacer confusion

Old 08-20-2009, 12:02 AM
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Default flexplate spacer confusion

ok, I understand that there is a .4 gap from the lsx crank when using a th350 trans and bellhousing, so a spacer is needed

I understand that on a flat flexplate(6.0 flexplate) there is a spacer that goes between the crank and the flexplate, to make up for this .4" gap

what I dont understand is why would the same spacer need to go AFTER the flexplate on a dished flexplate. what is the purpose of it if the flexplate bolts to the crankshaft like normal?

also, the 5.3s in junkyards-

a. do they come with a dished flexplate or a flat one
b. do I need a spacer?
c. does the spacer go between the crank and flexplate or AFTER the crank and flexplate?
Old 08-20-2009, 04:21 AM
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The input shaft on all older trannies is .400 shorter than an LS1 input shaft. That's the reason for the spacer. Some of the early 6.0's had a different crank in them. I can't remember if it comes out farther at the rear or if it's shorter. These are probably the flat flexplate engines. If you get an engine with a dished flexplate bolted straight to the crank, you will still need a spacer on the outside of it so the tranny input will reach. I used the spacer made by Hughes Performance. It just pushes into the end of the crank. No bolts required. As far as the 5.3's, I can't help you there.
Old 08-20-2009, 08:45 AM
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Originally Posted by 71 chevy
ok, I understand that there is a .4 gap from the lsx crank when using a th350 trans and bellhousing, so a spacer is needed

I understand that on a flat flexplate(6.0 flexplate) there is a spacer that goes between the crank and the flexplate, to make up for this .4" gap

what I dont understand is why would the same spacer need to go AFTER the flexplate on a dished flexplate. what is the purpose of it if the flexplate bolts to the crankshaft like normal?

also, the 5.3s in junkyards-

a. do they come with a dished flexplate or a flat one
b. do I need a spacer?
c. does the spacer go between the crank and flexplate or AFTER the crank and flexplate?
When used with the dished flexplate the spacer after the crank supports the nose of the torque converter on the earlier transmissions. The 4l60 converters have a snout that is longer and holds it against the crank with no spacer.

The 5.3ls should all have a dished flex plate. If your using a ealier trans. 700r, th350.th400 or the 4l80 you need the spacer after the flexplate to support the tq converter nose.

The flat flex plate is used on the 6.0l with the 4l60. The early 6.0l and 4.8l 99-2000 had a longer crank flange thats was the same as the SBC position.

More info https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...0r4-4l60e.html

Last edited by Bo185; 08-20-2009 at 10:37 AM.
Old 08-20-2009, 11:01 AM
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Pardon the slight highjack, but thought I'd ask while the flexplate experts are here.

On a '01 LS1, will a flat flex plate without spacer bolt to the crank an still clear that rear block cover plate bolt? I realize the starter would be an issue, but at the moment I'd just like to know if it'll clear that one bolt head and everything else on the block.

Thanks,
Andy1
Old 08-20-2009, 01:26 PM
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"The flat flex plate is used on the 6.0l with the 4l60"
the flat flex plate(with the .400 spacer bet the crank/plate) was used with the 4l80e, not the 60e, i am sure is what he ment
Old 08-20-2009, 07:36 PM
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thanks guys.

I did not realize that there was a snout on the converter that had to fit to the crank

DUH

I went back and looked at my current converter and of course its there. so now I understand why both types of flexplates require a spacer.
Old 08-22-2009, 07:25 AM
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to kind of answer Andy1's question, i have my chevelle on my lift now, so i measured the flexplate to the block best i could
distance from the back of the ring to the oil pan was .380, so rem the .400 spacer would put the flexplate dead against the oilpan-also if looked like there would only be about .020 clear to the back of the block, could not tell
if it would hit any bolts, but prob would-either way, its gonna hit something,
and as stated, the starter wouldnt work
Old 08-22-2009, 08:12 PM
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Originally Posted by forcd ind
"The flat flex plate is used on the 6.0l with the 4l60"
the flat flex plate(with the .400 spacer bet the crank/plate) was used with the 4l80e, not the 60e, i am sure is what he ment
To correct my self, the 6.0L with the 4l80 used the flat flexplate used on the 1500HD trucks, 2500/3500HD trucks, and 4.8l/6.0l 3/4 ton vans. Yes some of the vans had the 4.8l and 4l80 option!

The LQ9 6.0l's and some LQ4 used with the 4l60/65/70 used the regular dish flexplate. Which were used in the vortec max half tons and H2's.
Old 08-23-2009, 03:33 PM
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just to tag on to this, I have a slightly used flat 6.0 flexplate, bolts and a spacer I don't need. Went with a TCI(needed SFI cert) I'll let it go for $75 plus shipping from Pensacola Florida(32533) Sorry for the cheap hijack......
Old 08-30-2009, 06:57 PM
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Can anyone verify that this info applies to a 200-4r as well? If it does, bygblok I'm interested.
Old 08-30-2009, 08:30 PM
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Originally Posted by wiseman79
Can anyone verify that this info applies to a 200-4r as well? If it does, bygblok I'm interested.
Using the spacer and flat flexplate on my 200R4 swap...
Old 08-30-2009, 08:41 PM
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Thanks, Bygblok if you still have it I'll take it. PM sent.
Old 08-30-2009, 10:47 PM
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I ended up just ordering a new converter with the ls1 snout.

do I need longer bolts?
Old 09-01-2009, 05:37 PM
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Originally Posted by wiseman79
Thanks, Bygblok if you still have it I'll take it. PM sent.
Bygblok you out there?
Old 09-06-2009, 02:02 AM
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Originally Posted by wiseman79
Bygblok you out there?
sorry guys, I wish I'd seen this sooner. I'm officially out of the country now playing in the sandbox until January. No LS ANYTHING for me for a bit........ dammit. Oh, it's hot and humid here too. Even WORSE than the gulf coast!!


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