[sportylemans]

Can the flex plate be installed backwards? Took the flex plate off to check if oil leak was coming from rear main seal or oil pan when I was replacing my th350. Totally forgot to mark it.

Mostly done installing it and it dawned on me about not marking. Checked converter to flex plate clearance and I’m a hair over 3/16” so I added grade 8 washer after I micd them so I’m a hair over an 1/8” now, but under the 3/16”

71 350 with stock flexplate and th350.

[b-man]

You can’t install it backwards.

There’s one hole in the crank and flexplate or flywheel that’s drilled offset so you can’t install it backwards, this is also to keep the flywheel or flexplate clocked for balance purposes.

[sportylemans]

Originally Posted by b-man

You can’t install it backwards.

There’s one hole in the crank and flexplate or flywheel that’s drilled offset so you can’t install it backwards, this is also to keep the flywheel or flexplate clocked for balance purposes.

Thanks, appreciate the quick reply. Back to the garage now.

[srmmmm]

I think you've got it on backwards. I would expect the darker, oil & dirt covered side to be facing the engine where you would have seepage from the rear seal.

[Formulas]

Noooope... its on right.. There is another tell in plain view that has not been talked about yet..

[sportylemans]

Originally Posted by Formulas

Noooope... its on right.. There is another tell in plain view that has not been talked about yet..

Is it the second pic flexplate teeth where the starter engage?

[Goatracer1]

The big center hole is mushroomed out towards the converter and won't fit correctly the other way.

[stevep]

It's possible on a Chevy, but not on a Pontiac

[srmmmm]

Originally Posted by Formulas

Noooope... its on right.. There is another tell in plain view that has not been talked about yet..

I have seen a dimple on some factory ones that if mounted backwards, would create an obvious wobble appearance because the plate would be tilted on the crankshaft flange. But the angle cut on the teeth look like they're facing the wrong direction too.

[Formulas]

What i was referring to is the angle cut on the teeth... ( plain view ) At first glance and reasoning one would think the angle cut should be for engagement, .... Towards the front but in fact when installed correctly they are facing the rear of the car.... I researched / asked why a long time ago forget who or where i got this info from but the angle cut reason was for a easier dis'engagement of teeth although i don't foresee a big problem without the angle cut. ... Engineers must have seen something and that was the answer that worked at that time..

[Gary H]

Originally Posted by srmmmm

I have seen a dimple on some factory ones that if mounted backwards, would create an obvious wobble appearance because the plate would be tilted on the crankshaft flange. But the angle cut on the teeth look like they're facing the wrong direction too.

A Pontiac flexplate can't be installed backwards. The bolt pattern won't allow you to get all 6 bolts in.

[johnta1]

I'm pretty sure you can only get one bolt in if backwards.

[zippy]

Originally Posted by Formulas

Noooope... its on right.. There is another tell in plain view that has not been talked about yet..

The bevel on ring gear

[sportylemans]

Thanks everyone, I’m back on the road. Still making some adjustments to the shift linkage though.

One more quick question. Factory console, adjusted the lockout, NSS and shift cable. All seems fine, shifter locks in all positions except low, no click for that. I want to say that’s normal, but wants to verify?

[P@blo]

The new Shina plates do not have the flare on the hub to make it as obvious when bolting down. I would call it more of an offset. Some guys have even drilled out bolt holes to put it on wrong

When in doubt chipped teeth to the front and the forever perfect bevel to the rear...😎