drill flex plate?

Is it possible to bolt the flex plate to the crank backwards? It has been decades since I bolted one up so just asking.

Been there done that... Flip it over.
I wish that was the case - I assure you it cannot be done with the B&M piece. Of course I will check when I pull the engine - but I didn't change anything when I pulled it last spring and it fit fine with the old tc.