TECH TIP: Flywheel vs. Flexplate It never fails; youre talking to a guy about getting a new flywheel only to find out he really needs a flexplate. Lets take a look at the two, learn what they are and figure out the proper application for both. The flywheel is an inertia device that is bolted to the engine crankshaft. It has several functions including carrying the ring gear the starter uses to crank the engine, storing energy to get the vehicle moving from a standing stop, and providing the friction surface for the clutch disc to be clamped to. The flexplate, on the other hand, also carries the ring gear for the starter but that is where the similarities end. Flexplates do not have a friction surface nor do they store energy. The primary function of a flexplate is to provide a mounting point for a torque converter which is used to couple the engine and transmission together when an automatic transmission is used. Now the question is when should one be used over the other? When using a standard shift transmission and a conventional clutch disk and pressure plate setup a flywheel will be used. The use of an automatic transmission using a torque converter will call for a flexplate. But wait, you say you have a standard transmission but use a Ram Assault Weapon Clutch or other button style clutch - well in that case you would use a flexplate because the flywheel is built into the clutch unit itself. If youre still not sure what you need, give Day Motorsports a call and they will be more than happy to evaluate your situation and get you the parts you need. courtesy of Day Motorsports daymotorsports
Posted on: Tue, 10 Jun 2014 16:30:01 +0000
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