Hey guys...

Does anyone know where I can get a good aluminum lightweight 168 tooth flexplate for cheap? Internally balanced, I don't want an external counterweight.

Correct me if I'm wrong but an automatic tranny has a flexplate, and a manual has a flywheel, correct?

new77guy38756.651412037

Flexplates are for automatic transmissions. Never seen one in aluminum. No need. They are light enough. High perf units are slightly thicker than OEM.

B&M: BMM-20230 $69.95

TCI-399373 $68.88

Prices via Summit catalog

Flywheels are for manual transmissions. Those are much thicker. Available in Aluminum.

Sarge

Hey Sarge,

On those plates what is the exact differance between internally, and externally balanced? Are they taking abot the flywheel itself, or the engine? Aslo, how can you tell if the main seal is a one, or two piece?

 

Thanks,
-Louis

Internally or externally balanced is a property of the engine itself. Examples; 350 chev internal balanced, 400 small block external balanced, 427 big block internal ,454 external.

You need to but the correct plate for your car, your's is internal balanced, if you put an external balanced plate on, the engine will be way out of balance.

If you have your original engine, it's gonna be a 2 piece seal. One piece seals came out mid 80's I think.

Thanks dave... How could you tell though if an engien is internally balanced, or externally? Also just by looking at an engine how could you tell if its a one or two piece seal?

On externally balanced engines, there are weights welded to the flex plate or the flywheel. They're pretty obvious when you look at them. On an internal balanced motor, the plate or flywheel is pretty symetrical.

As far as the seal, it's self explanatory, a one piece rear seal looks very similar to a dust seal you would see on a wheel bearing set up.

Remember from doing your engine? One half round seal goes into the oil pan as you installed it. The other was installed on the block.

Ok, now I understand a bit better. My dad handled taht part of the engine actually. But I'm going to get that B and M plate, and I ahve an Pro Comp POS distributor. but I'm going to buy a better MSD to go with my 6A ignition, and blaster SS coil.

 

Thanks again Dave...

Another way to actually see an external balanced engine; If you know anyone that has a 454 or a small block 400 chevy, pop the hood and look at the fron pulley(harmonic balancer) while the engine is idleing.

Dave, i have a harmonic balancer...

(blonde moment - however I have brown hair)

new77guy38760.5362615741

The harmonic balancer on an externally balancer will be different from yours, it's weighted too, your's will be symmetrical. An external one will almost look lopsided.