I would like to know if a 163tooth flexplate externally balanced is TOO THICK for an 94 LT1. This is the flexplate that I have now in my Camaro and Im having issues with finding the right starter that will work. Im thinking going back to the stock Flexplate stlye but externally balanced. Now I know I probably should have had the motor internally balances so that I can use the stock flexplate, but I didnt Oh well. Imput please for you people would be great.
Chris

 

The stock LT1 flexplate has 153 teeth and is externally balanced.

 

The flywheel that I purchased has a counter weight on it. I had that and the rest of my rotating assembly balanced. If I switch to the 153tooth (stock) Will I have to get my motor balanced again. Externally balanced means externally balanced, it seems to me that it would not matter the tooth size.
Chris

 

Chevy flexplates are 153 or 168 teeth. The tooth spacing is the same, so the diameters are different. 153 teeth = 12.75" OD. 168 teeth = 14" OD. The stock LT1 flexplate IS externally balanced. The thickness is the same for all, I am pretty sure.

Rich

 

Rkrause do you know if the 153 teeth VS the 168 teeth is going to make a difference in the way the Torque Converter bolts fit?
Chris

 

in aftermarket flexplates, the 153 tooth has a small pattern, the 168 has a large and the small

so, 168 will still bolt to the converter the small flexplate did

 

There are three common GM converter bolt patterns. They are 9.75", 10.75" and 11.50". Many flexplates are drilled for two different converter bolt circles. The crank flange bolt circle is either 3.58" for 2-piece rear seal cranks and 3.00" for 1-piece. As above, there are two different diameters (with corresponding tooth counts). They may be neutral balance for internally balanced rotating assemblies or have an external balance weight. The weight will vary to match up with different rotating assemblies.

The stock LT1 flexplate is 153 teeth, 12.75" diameter. It is for a 1-piece rear main crank and is externally balanced for the LT1's specific rotating assembly. I don't have one in front of me, and I don't remember off hand the converter bolt circle diameter.

Rich

 

Ok So I should not have any issues getting this Torque Converter to bolt up to the flywheel. I was worried becuase of the thickness of my new Flywheel (160teeth. I mean this wheel is thick in my eyes. Im going to get going on it tonight so hopefully things will go good. I forgot to add. I think I have the flywheel on backwards. Im using a bigger starter from a 71 Camaro 400 flexplate and I know that every SBC Gm ever built had the same bolt pattern bolting up the starter to the connect with the flywheel. When I bolt my starter. The starter snout does not cover the whole flexplate like it should. Its off about 3-4CM. Where the Torque Converter bolts bolt up I believe the shallow side is where the bolt goes and not the indentation side. The side thats indentated is were the TC bolt legs bolt to. AND PLEASE CORRECT ME IF IM WRONG. Im a rookie doing this as far as building motors and stuff. LOL So by having this backwards, I think thats were im seeing the 3-4cm difference in the starter snout. So tonight im going to get on it and get it going
Chris

 

You have it backwards, if I am understanding you right. And I sure hope it doesn't have 160 teeth. If it does, there are either seven extra or eight missing!

Rich

 

Ok The Flexplate was on backwards and now everything fits perfectly. The starter lines up with the flexplate perfect and I didnt even need shims. Starter cranks the nice. Now I might have a battery issue. I dont think I have enough juice. Might need a new battery or a recharge. Everytime I crank the motor now the battery gage drops all the way down to and all interoir lights get dim and then it starts clicking. Sounds like battery to me
Chris

 

That sounds like a bad connection or a weak battery.