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New flexplate advice needed

76k5blazerr

76k5blazerr

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Guys I have my tranny and t case out right now for a rebuild and I'm wondering if I should replace my flexplate while I have access to it. I haven't had any problems really with my old one but I thought it would be a good idea to replace it. My question is in seeing several different ones on summit and I'm wondering what to get. I know I need the 168 tooth one but what's confusing me is 1 or 2 piece main seal. Why does that matter? And how do I know which one I've got?
 
One piece rear main engines have a different crank bolt pattern where the flex plate bolts up...I think the hole diameter is different also...
You'll be able to tell right away if you have a one piece rear main seal once the flex plate is off..
I think it was 1986 that they changed to them..

I have only used OEM flex plates so I'm not of much help as far as choosing a new one..I have seen some aftermarket ones that are "universal" and have removeable weights that allows them to be used on all chevy V8's whether they are externally balanced (400 SB,454),or not...

There is also some "heavier" versions that supposedly add inertia to aid in take-offs and stand up better to abuse I have seen in Jeg's and Summit's catalogs,but I've never used one...

I would think heavier might hold up better under off road or high performance use though..
 
Yes,provided its really an '82 vintage engine...you can look up the codes stamped on the block just under the altenator on the passenger side of the block where the cylinder head sits on it to make sure its that year...

There is also a date code casted into the block near the bellhousing behind the drivers side cylinder head,but chances are you wont be able to see or read it with the engine in the truck,unless you have a body lift,or use a mirror maybe..
 
It's not a bad idea,few jobs suck more than replacing a flex plate in your driveway or garage without a lift and tranny jack...and seeing how many Chevy's either crack the flex plate or chew up the starter ring gear,I'd say it would be a wise choice to replace it now...

That one you linked too looks like a decent one--if its rated "street/strip" it's likely a bit beefier than the original one...

Just make sure you dont have a 400 small block,if you did,you'll need either the right counterweight for the flex plate if its a "universal" one,or the specific one that fits a 400 small block only...an internally balanced one will bolt up to a 400 SB,but it'll shake the engine off it's mounts!..
 
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