While looking for a flexplate for my truck I noticed there was quite a bit of talk of 157 vs 164 tooth flex plates and that the block plate moves the starter in or out on the transmission for the different flexplates but this has to match the transmission bellhousing.

I wanted to ask for clarification if this is true? Like wise with me ordering a built transmission from a builder such as Broader Performance am I going to have to specify what tooth flexplate I have to ensure the transmission will mate up with the block plate I have?

From the parts and illustration guide it states mine should be a 164 tooth flex plate for a 82 F150 small block C6. I didnt think that there would be a issue with this but I seen enough people talking about it and not as many people stating that C6`s all used 164 tooth flex plates and it was only the C4`s that used the smaller 157 tooth flex plate. My parts and illustration guide is not that helpful as it only covers trucks and it appears all C6 trucks at least used the same flexplate post 1981 and there is a different number for 1980 but that number I cant find any specs on it but I know its going to be the 28oz balance but I dont know diameter nor tooth count to know if any C6`s ever had the smaller 157 tooth flex plate like I keep finding posted all over the web.

Id like to get the clarified and settled as I hate to get my flex new 164 tooth 50oz imbalance flexplate and assemble my motor using my old block plate only to swap the C6 trans for a built C6 trans and find out the block plate doesnt match up for the starter if that is even a thing.

 

I think that you're right; the C6 always used the larger flexplate for the engine but this is different than the size used for a stick shift. Just like you say there are C4's that have the starter positioned to use the smaller flexplate.

 

I talked with Broader Performance he stated C6 transmissions used the same starter mounting location and they all had the 164 tooth flex plate.

I just cant make a decision on flexplate.

I keep looking at the TCI 529620 flexplate for my truck but there are some reviews from 2018/2019 about vibrations and being out of round but TCI as long as I could remember was the go to flexplates for aftermarket. My only other option is a Pioneer HD flexplate #FRA214HD. Not sure if a SFI flexplate would be more durable than a HD flexplate especially when it comes to a truck application that will see pulling from time to time. Price difference isnt that much, the Pioneer I can get for $68 before shipping and the TCI I can get for $105 before shipping.

 

The best flexplate is a stock and or stock replacement flexplate.

 

Well my original stock one has a lot of wear to the front side of teeth on the ring gear. I think thats why some times when I start the truck the starter grinds as it isnt meshing before spinning due to the excessive wear.

I can get a OE but considering I am going with a Hughes XTM tow converter I would prefer to go with a heavier duty flexplate than stock.

 

Believe it or not heavy duty flexplates crack a lot more than stock ones do in most applications. The thicker ones are much more rigid which sort of defeats the purpose of having a flexplate.