stock sm blk flex plate

[ir3333]

At what point is it wise to replace the stock flex plate?

 

[transman]

At what point is it wise to replace the stock flex plate?

That's kind of a loaded question. Are you talking about the amount of horsepower/torque it's capable of taking (used behind a hemi from the factory), age of it, drag racing requirements or? On the Challenger I once owned, I had it replaced when I had the transmission taken out to be resealed. The car only had 32000 original miles on it when I bought it, but the car had been sitting in a garage for over 20 years, and the transmission leaked from everywhere. The only reason I replaced the flex plate was my concern about possible metal fatigue from old age ( Yeah I know, a bit paranoid), but once the transmission was I thought why not. In my mind at the time cheap insurance.

 

[ir3333]

Yes..just wondering how strong a stock piece is that is in good condition.
My new project won't be high hp.

 

[Demonracer]

New flex plates are not that expensive, to me it's worth the peace of mind, high HP or not. Do you really want to trust 40+ year old flex plates versus a new one for a few buck more?

 

[72Dart6pack]

You need to keep it as Factory original as possible. Or the car becomes a restro mod car. Price of car drops 50%

 

[ir3333]

All good points.Stock flex plates are mild steel and i've never heard of
one failing on a stock or warm small block?
I prefer to use stock parts if they are in good condition because the factory
usually got it right.

 

[oldkimmer]

U can buy a stock looking aftermarket heavy duty flex plate. Kin

 

[1969reddart]

Yes..just wondering how strong a stock piece is that is in good condition.
My new project won't be high hp.

I destroyed a stock flexplate with a stock 340. If you are going to have the engine/tranny apart anyway, maybe consider putting a B & M flexplate in there.

 

[ir3333]

i think in this case...you guys have convinced me to replace the original.