Question: What is a Flexplate?

[fine69]

I see flexplates in auto catalogs all the time. What are these things? I had my flywheel turned when I did my overhaul... but it did not have flexplate on it. Is this an alternative to a flywheel? Confused.

 

[pbcanney]

"flywheel for automatics"

holds the torque converter
engages with starter

 

[JohnZ]

Looks like this:

 

[chevy6673]

thought that was a flywheel so your saying flex wheel is the same

 

[navy2kcoupe]

Flywheel connects to the clutch/pressure plate in standard transmissions.
Flex plate connects to the torque converter in automatics.
You will have one or the other depending on the transmission used, but not both.
Andy

 

[fine69]

Oh okay. So it's a flywheel for automatic transmissions... that's why I was not familiar with it.

 

[JohnZ]

thought that was a flywheel so your saying flex wheel is the same

Nope - A flexplate bolts to the end of the crank, but it's a sheet metal stamping and all it does is carry the ring gear and provide holes to attach the torque converter on an automatic transmission. A flywheel also bolts to the end of the crank, but it's solid steel (or cast iron or aluminum), and the clutch bolts to it on a manual transmission. Flywheel photo below.

 

[navy2kcoupe]

Oh okay. So it's a flywheel for automatic transmissions... that's why I was not familiar with it.

You can look at it that way, but since automatics don't have/need a flywheel technically it's not. That's why the different name. Flexplate for autos, flywheel for standards.
Andy

 

[chevy6673]

You can look at it that way, but since automatics don't have/need a flywheel technically it's not. That's why the different name. Flexplate for autos, flywheel for standards.
Andy

thanks

 

[fine69]

Thanks for the replies. It is always good to learn something new.

Ralph

 

[crowvet]

Thanks for the replies. It is always good to learn something new.

Ralph

I Thought a flexplate, was something you stacked bar b qued ribs on at a picnic. Says chinet on it and flexes just before it folds