[theoldone]

I always thought that SFI spec flexplate stuff was BS- until I saw this

from a 482" Ford FE motor (4.25" bore x 4.25" stroke poked/stroked Ford 428)

it tore the center right out of the flexplate using an automatic trans !

the funny part is, the car still was driving but "clunking" in drive

holy crap !

[SCOTT ESTERLE]

Big surprise. If your making big horsepower factory parts are going to fail. Same deal with thos flimsy factory Pontiac crank pulley's.

[tikiklubracing]

You know when they advertise those flexplates it centers on how they are welded on both side at the starter gear ring. Not the center.

[Half-Inch Stud]

That Ford lack the large holes to integrate the flex zone.

Pontiac Flexplate is quite a bit better than the Chevy or Ford offering. Check bolt pattern, flex hole zones, and metal thickness.

[60man]

Yeah.........I bought one of those mega-bucks SFI flex plates.
#1 it was real heavy...rotating mass, right ?
Oh the center held up......but the ring gear teeth were so britlle they gave up first....
I've been running a "stock" flex plate for a while now.......NO problems.
I won't change until rules tell me to...

[67 455 Bird ragtop]

Just out of curiosity how long is the SFI good for on a flexplate ???

[theoldone]

Originally Posted by 60man

Yeah.........I bought one of those mega-bucks SFI flex plates.
#1 it was real heavy...rotating mass, right ?
Oh the center held up......but the ring gear teeth were so britlle they gave up first....
I've been running a "stock" flex plate for a while now.......NO problems.
I won't change until rules tell me to...

OUCH ! switch to an SFI and the teeth grind off- that's NOT GOOD !

[Brian Baker]

Originally Posted by 67 455 Bird ragtop

Just out of curiosity how long is the SFI good for on a flexplate ???

3 years.

[67 455 Bird ragtop]

thanks. whats the process for recert ??? I have on dated 2001 I haven't even installed yet.

[tikiklubracing]

Originally Posted by Brian Baker

3 years.

Thanks Brian
__________________________________________________ _________

Whats the process for recert ??? I have on dated 2001 I haven't even installed yet.

You need to get a new one or send it back to the mfg, for recert.

What is your ET??, as the SFI sticker is not required untill 9.99 or over 135mph in the 1/4.
If you don't meet this requirement, go ahead and use it till you do.

[67 455 Bird ragtop]

Thanks. One less thing to worry about in this build. 9.90 is a little optimistic for me ... lol

[tikiklubracing]

Originally Posted by 67 455 Bird ragtop

Thanks. One less thing to worry about in this build. 9.90 is a little optimistic for me ... lol

Keep it in the tens and your good to go.

[SCOTT ESTERLE]

Something is wrong if your tearing teeth off. I've been using the Tci one with a stock rebuilt starter for 11yrs. Normally when your tearing teeth off it is from the wrong gear mesh or too much timing & compression. You may want to look into a starter retard.

[theoldone]

Originally Posted by 67 455 Bird ragtop

Thanks. One less thing to worry about in this build. 9.90 is a little optimistic for me ... lol

lots of extra chassis cert expense/safety equipment/firesuit/gloves/etc. needed if you run 9.99 or faster, isn't there ?

[Colin Frolick]

What about a factory flywheel. I still have the flywheel that came with my 2 barrel 326, used it on the last 455 no problem. i'm aiming for 600+ hp this time... will it hold up?

[Junkyard Dog]

Flywheel is an entirely different matter from a flexplate. Get an SFI flywheel . . .

[JC455]

Not to brag, but the mighty 350 2 bbl that came in my 68 LeMans did the exact same thing to it's flexplate. In fact, I've seen a lot of high mileage Ponchos do this, so to answer the question about a stock 326 behind a 455- Yes, it'll work, but eventually won't.
I know this has nothing to do w/ the power that Ford was making, just thought it was funny (and ironic...350 hehehehe).

[60man]

Originally Posted by SCOTT ESTERLE

Something is wrong if your tearing teeth off. I've been using the Tci one with a stock rebuilt starter for 11yrs. Normally when your tearing teeth off it is from the wrong gear mesh or too much timing & compression. You may want to look into a starter retard.

Yep...something was wrong Scott. I changed out two stock flex plates before I put on the SFI one.. I assumed it would be stronger all around... I was amazed at how heavy it was but...........
After roaching that flex plate while trying to stage for a FINAL... The teeth were very hard/brittle and broke clean,not just mutilated.
I started looking elsewhere. It turned out to be a defective Exide Optimal battery. It was new so I didn't suspect it.. Since my old combo produced 215-230 PSI at cranking it needed all the voltage. As time would go by the battery would loose it's power and didn't have the a$$ to crank motor. I would kick back and wipe out teeth... Found that out in 2004 Norwalk.. Wound up using an old battery and Zoom-Zoom... Remember I got the J-bolts from you which saved my butt...
I have since split the start and ignition circuit and have new battery and less cranking compression..No problems....at least starting

FWIW: I will never buy a Exide battery again. They replaced the battery but when it too failed they refused to honor warantee. Said it was only good for one time......sounds like the old Dart auto parts chain.....

[Flamin65]

Originally Posted by SCOTT ESTERLE

Something is wrong if your tearing teeth off. I've been using the Tci one with a stock rebuilt starter for 11yrs. Normally when your tearing teeth off it is from the wrong gear mesh or too much timing & compression. You may want to look into a starter retard.

Hey Scott you didn't have to call him a retard! LOL

[Half-Inch Stud]

Oh, one of those electronic boses that keeps the starter engaged longer. Wow, I never considered that. very interesting. HIS