Flywheel Vs Flexplate, Confused about flexplates vs. Learn th
Flywheel Vs Flexplate, Confused about flexplates vs. Learn the difference between flywheel and flexplate. A flex plate is for an automatic transmission and the torque converter bolts to it. A flywheel is easier on parts. For a person who isn't aware of that, watch there face when the 153 starter won't go in the hole or when the 168 starter just makes noise. Hi everyone! Can anyone please tell me if there is any visual noticable difference between a 400sbc and a 454 bbc flexplate. The main difference between a flexplate and a flywheel is that flexplates are much thinner and lighter than flywheels. The difference between flywheel and flexplate The main difference between a flywheel and a flexplate is that a flywheel is made of steel and is bolted to the crankshaft while a flexplate is usually made of aluminum and welded to the torque converter. While both look alike and accomplish similar tasks, these components have some major differences that set them apart. HOW MUCH DOES A STEEL FLEXPLATE WEIGH? CHECK OUT THIS TEST WHERE I COMPARED A STEEL FLYWHEEL AND STEEL DRIVE PLATE TO A LIGHTWEIGHT FLEXPLATE AND ALUMINUM DRIVE PLATE ON THE DYNO ON A BTR-CAMMED Engine Flywheel or Flexplate, A flywheel can be repaired but a flexplate will need to be replaced. I am wondering what is the difference between both of them? I am confuse between An engine guide that will help determine if an internal or external balanced flexplate is needed for your engine. Mark IV 454 externally balanced engines use either a 168-tooth 14-inch flywheel (or flexplate) or a 153 tooth 123 ⁄4-inch flywheel. e. Well today I learned there is such a thing a a flexible flywheel because my lancer has one. 6L) - Free Shipping So it is quite obvious that there is a difference between Flexplate and Flywheel bolts. These components play vital roles in how your engine operates. If you have an automatic on the other hand, it will be equipped with a flex plate. A flexplate connects an automatic transmissions torque converter to an engine's crankshaft. A manual transmission has a flywheel that is attached to the crankshaft and has a clutch disk in between the pressure plate and flywheel. The flex plate is designed to "flex" in order to allow the torque converter to spin at such a high speedmore Curt explains the differences between flywheels and flex plates. What Is The Difference Between A Flexplate And A Flywheel? In this informative video, we will clarify the differences between a flexplate and a flywheel, two Flexplate = Thin steel plate that bolts to the torque converter on an automatic transmission with a ring gear for the starter. How a Flywheel Works Engine are designed with a flywheel or flexplate depending which will be determined by the transmission type i. GM Flywheel Flexplate used OEM For Sale When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. We know both the This article compares and contrast the various flywheel designs out there to help you pick the best flywheel for your engine. Flywheel = Thick cast iron machined disk that holds the clutch assy for a manual transmission with a ring gear for the starter. Let's take a look at the two, learn what they are and figure out the proper application for both. The flexplate’s function is to transfer power from the engine to the transmission. Never having taken the back end of a marine engine apart, I don't know if they use a fly wheel or a flex Flexplate vs Flywheel Here's my personal theory. It is my understanding that a flexplate is used in combination with automatic transmission and a flywheel is used for a manual transmission. Video Description: HOW MUCH POWER IS A LIGHTWEIGHT FLYWHEEL WORTH? DOES A LIGHTWEIGHT FLYWHEEL ADD ANY POWER? CAN A FLEXPLATE MAKE MORE POWER THAN A Discover what a flywheel and flex plate are, their key functions in automotive engines, and how they differ from each other. What Is The Difference Between A Flexplate And A Flywheel? In this informative video, we’ll break down the differences between flexplates and flywheels, two essential components of truck A flexplate or flex plate is a metal disk that connects the output from an engine to the input of a torque converter in a car equipped with an automatic transmission. C3 Tech/Performance - flywheel or flexplate? - That may be a stupid question but I would like to know exactly what the difference between a flywheel and a flexplate is. 043 light tension rings instead of the stock 5/64 rings; light weight Oliver, Carillo, or Crower rods; crankshafts with lightened and detailed rod throws and profiled They will accept the same flywheel/flex plate as the early small block engine LS/LT series engines 1997-present (Gen 3, 4, & 5) All engines use a 168 tooth ring gear All engines are internally balanced LS1,2,3,6,7 have 6 bolt crank flange bolt pattern LSA, LSX (aftermarket), and the new LT1 & LT4 engines have 8 bolt crank flange pattern Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case - Flywheel vs Flexplate - I was going to ask what's the difference between a flywheel and a flexplate? . I'm sure you've heard somebody incorrectly say flex wheel or something like that confusing a flywheel and a flexplate. Essential guide for spotting cracks, heat spots, and runout before installation. Is your flex plate failing? Learn about flex plate replacement cost, common warning signs, the steps involved in replacing it, and more. 3, or 6. Flexplates and flywheels are both vital components, but what are the differences? Ever wondered what sets a flywheel apart from a flexplate? Whether you’re working on a manual or automatic transmission, understanding these critical compone Flywheel vs Flexplate: Making the Right Choice When it comes to your vehicle’s performance, choosing between a flywheel flexplate and an engine flexplate is crucial. This is because the flex plate, as the name suggests, needs to flex across its main axis as the rotational speeds around the torque converter change. Anything that is going to run more than an hour at a cruise, or idle for 20 minutes at a shot, should have a flywheel. The metal frame of the flexplate has multiple uniform machine-cut holes for mounting to the crankshaft. Th Apr 17, 2021 · Although they essentially do the same job, they are not the same. Know common problems, replacement costs, and how to choose quality parts. Apparently, flexplate is much thinner and lighter, this is because of the fluid coupling of the torque converter, which can erase the grinding of the clutch. As well as the ring gear it uses to connect with the starter (depending on vehicle and engine size), and are much, much lighter. This is not to be confused with a dual mass flywheel. Flexplates are used in vehicles with automatic transmissions, where they connect the torque converter to the engine’s crankshaft. In an automotive application, a flywheel is for a manual transmission and the clutch bolts to it. He is not confident on where it came from. Learn preventive maintenance tips to prolong the lifespan of your flywheel or flex plate and avoid costly repairs. Explore the functions and differences between flywheels and flexplates in vehicle drivetrains, including their roles in manual and automatic transmissions, and common signs of failure. If you have problems with your flywheel you probably have to replace them, but what it´s their costs? The replacement of the flywheel can vary depending on the model and the quality, The flywheel and the flexplate are two critical yet misunderstood parts. At The casting number for this flywheel is 3856579. This is something I did not originally know nor did I know a flexplate was for Automatic Transmission - All about Flexplates, Converters, Transmissions and Spacers - When installing a different (non-stock) transmission there is often confusion over what flexplate to use and whether a spacer is needed. Read about transmission flywheels and flexplates online at Diesel Pro Power. These components play a crucial role in managing torque and ensuring smooth gear changes in various engine types. Automatic transmissions use a flexplate while the standard transmission uses a flywheel. The flywheel is an inertia device that is bolted to the engine crankshaft. I have a 1989 Chaparral Villian III with mercruiser 7. These two components serve vital functions and help marine engines run smoothly. Learn why these components are essential for smooth engine operation and vehicle performance. 0L LS-powered ride, you’ll need to pay attention to a few items we discuss in this buyer’s guide. In the long run a flex plate would be better. The engine flex plate and the reduction plate combine and become"a flex-able disc coupling" allowing for miss-alignment. The second is to give additional weight that adds to rotational inertia within the engine. 4l i recently blew the engine. Q6: Are flywheels and flexplates essential for both gasoline and diesel engines? Yes, both gasoline and diesel engines benefit from the stabilization and power transition provided by flywheels and flexplates. Flexplate vs Flywheel As you have stated, it is not focusing on just one small aspect of the whole. Let’s start with the flywheel. Many enthusiasts will typically use the term “flywheel” in a bench racing session when in fact they are really referring to a flexplate. Both vitally important components in transmissions, the terms flywheel and flexplate are sometimes confused with each other. (3 pistons gone) i have another 454 engine from another boat that has been balanced and blueprinted. Learn which one is right for your engine and transmission setup. 8, 5. Physical Appearance Both of these components are typically heavy, but the flex plate is much thinner and therefore lighter than the flywheel. Repair and replacement cost. It’s used primarily for manual transmission vehicles, and performs three vital functions. The main difference in a flexplate vs flywheel is that the flexplate is designed for automatic transmission applications and the flywheel is designed for manual transmission applications, and here’s why. Flywheels are typically found on vehicles equipped with manual transmissions, while flexplates are used in vehicles with automatic transmissions. the new engine has a flexplate and the blown engine has a flywheel. flywheel with 168 teeth. 3, they have different repair and replacement cost. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network. flexplate on small block alpha - Im running 400 hp 355 small blocks with alpha drives using the coupler that attaches directly to the crank. Is this If I were to go Frankenstein and use a 2AZ-FE as a stationary generator engine, could I remove the torque converter and flexplate, bolt a manual-trans flywheel there instead, and the starter still work? General Q & A - flywheel vs. Higher-performance versions use a 14-inch O. A flywheel, often found in manual transmissions, provides stability and smoothness to the drivetrain. This is a heavy circular metal plate found in your car’s transmission. 6 ARP Pro Series Mustang Flywheel Bolts 254-2801 (96-04 4. Hello, I am working with one of the sales engineer for diesel engine and he asked if company provides Clark SAE3 flexplate. Learn how to inspect used flywheels and flexplates for damage. Learn the difference between flexplate and flywheel and when to service them at Diesel Pro Power. Took the flexplate off and replaced it with a flywheel, running the bolts to spec - but is there a difference between flywheel and flexplate bolts? I don't see why there would be but it seems like you can buy either. [1] It takes the place of the flywheel found in a conventional manual transmission setup. Flexplates are much thinner than a Flywheel. The LS swap is no doubt still going strong, but if you’re planning to run an automatic behind your 4. Flywheel vs. A flywheel runs smoother and can idle lower with big Learn the difference between flywheel and flexplate. Learn what's bolted to your crank, what it does, and how to tell when it's going bad. That means telling the difference and knowing when they need to be replaced is critical. is it permissable to bolt the coupler Mustang Flexplate 8 Pc Bolt Kit (96-04) 4. Their differing designs reflect the varied mechanisms used by manual and automatic transmissions to manage power transfer and absorb engine vibrations. But does a light vs heavy flywheel actually change the horsepower that an engine is making? Richard is about to test that, using a lightweight flex plate and a heavier flywheel on the engine dyno. In this post, we talk about the advantages of flexplate vs flywheel and some of the differences between the two. While both serve a similar purpose of transmitting power from the engine to the transmission, their construction and functions differ and can significantly impact vehicle performance. A flex plate and a fly wheel do essentially the same thing. flywheels? We break down the real difference for truck and car guys. Jul 1, 2025 · Learn the difference between flywheel and flexplate. Flexplates for automatics share the same dimensions in both large and small diameters. Wondering if a flex plate is the same as a flywheel? Discover the key differences between a flex plate and a flywheel, their functions, and how they impact your vehicle's performance. Articles and Information Choosing an Aluminum Versus Steel Flexplate or Flywheel for a Car Which is the best choice for your build? When installing a Flywheel or Flexplate in a car, you have a decision to make, Steel or Aluminum? Both have benefits and drawbacks depending on your performance needs. A flywheel has fewer starter issues. The question of buying a flywheel versus a flexplate is an important one. Anything that idles for only a few minutes and runs wot for short stints can get away with a flexplate. Flexplates are generally much thinner and lighter than a flywheel because of the elimination of the clutch surface. The spec I see includes 'Flywheel for Dana Spicer 13-15-17, with SAE3 housing'. Sure, I could ask to verify that they are in fact looking for a flywheel not a flex plate, But I feel like to the wrong person they might feel like I am looking down on them by questioning them on something that is to us so simple. What mods will I have to do---spacers between flex and drive plate?? What about the starters I can't find any gear reduction starters for for this type?. Presently putting a 454 together for a buddy and he dug this flexplate out from his garage full of spare parts. Flexplates take the position that a flywheel would on a manual transmission car. Get expert insights to better understand your car’s drivetrain system. What is a Flywheel? Learned something new today. The first is to give the clutch a surface that it can grab onto. Flexplate It never fails; you're talking to a guy about getting a new flywheel only to find out he really needs a flexplate. Automatic transmissions use a flexplate Its not a issue as long as you are aware that the starter and flex plate / flywheel are a matched set and there are 2 different ones. When swapping an LS engine into a custom Hotrod, there is even more confusion: long versus General Q & A - flywheel vs flexplate - Can I change flywheels out for flexplates on a Borg warner trannie? I've got The trannies that mount from behind and on top. D. In simple terms, if your truck has a manual transmission, chances are that you have a flywheel. Dec 21, 2025 · The flywheel is engineered for manual transmission vehicles, while the flexplate is exclusively paired with automatic transmissions. It is the whole system! Switching from 850g+ Speed Pro ashtrays to light weight ~600g CP pistons, which usually include 1/16 or . gtvrc, 4fcr, brh9o, xuqres, rwgl, hxfcz, 7laxmv, rkhv, u8ix, xfgd,