How do I change the flexplate?

I wanted to get a general idea of how to change my flexplate. I'm thinking of having my mechanic do it. Just wanted to see what the process is, how long will it take me and is it messy?
I don't quite know what kinda flex plate I would have to use. I have a C4 and my mechanic just upgraded my 200 to a 302.

 

When your mech did the V-8 swap you should have ended up with the correct flex plate.Why do you want to change it??

 

so I drove it home (30miles) and it was vibrating the entire way. It wouldn't vibrate if I put it in neutral and didn't rev while driving, otherwise it was vibrating the whole time. Pretty high frequency vibration. It does it even at very low speeds and even when I park it and rev it there is vibration.

He took a look at it and said it's the flexplate. He said he'll change it at no labor charge because he got a used one.

 

You need to pull the driveshaft, take the 4 nuts off of the torque convertor, unbolt the tranny from the block. I then put a tranny jack underneath it and lift it a little, remove the tranny crossmember and pull the tranny back. Make sure the TC doesn't fall out. After that it's a straight shot to remove the TC bolts. Might have to block the engine a bit totop it from rotating.

 

You'll need to know what balance your 302 is when getting another flex plate.

 

its something that the mechanic should have found and fixed before he ever gave you the car back. defintly go back have him do it. its kind of a heavy job to do your self expecially if you dont have a hoist and trans jack.

 

that doesn't soud too bad! and no oil spillage or anything? (unless I goof it up of course!)

 

Well yea, I'm probably gonna take it to him. I just don't know when he can actually do it and I don't wanna wait anymore. So how does he know what balance my 302 is? He said he already ordered the flexplate, I guess he already knows.

 

what year is the engine?

...that tells you what flexplate to use...(except 347)
don't drive the car untill it's fixed...the motor is out of balance and that isn't good for all the parts inside...

Frank...:Handshake...

 

that's the short version...to do it is a little more complex....there are things that have to be right (tq. converter seated correctly) and tq. specs. to be followed (both converter bolts and flexplate bolts)...
you will need the correct tools for the job (line wrench for the transmission lines)
and the biggy...you will have to know if the flexplate you are installing is the correct one...
there will be a mess...(tailshaft and lines) it's a 2 man job, at least the first time and it would help if one of them has done a swap before...
my first one...i didn't have the tq. converter seated correctly and tore the front pump out within the first mile of driving...

Jeff and I installed my tq. converter yesterday...thanks Jeff...:Handshake
...i have a lift and a transmission jack...
we were talking about the good old days...doing it out in a gravel driveway...
if you do it...be safe...good jackstands and chock the wheels...

...Frank...:Handshake

 

I have a tranny jack that I got from Harbor Freight. Was $59, but it comes in handy. Also don't forget when you take the tranny out you need to undo the shift linkage, speedometer gear, tranny cooler lines and modulator vaacuum line. I usually drain the tranny so I don't spill a lot of fluid. It can be a messy job.

 

daaaaaang! I've changed a tranny or 2 in my life and it sounds like it's pretty much that kind of a job. I'm gonna have to pass on that. I will save my driveway and the poor environment gallons of spilled tranny oil! But thanks everyone for the how to. If I don't end up getting him to do it it may just have to be me.

 

...and: disconnect the battery and remove the starter...

...Frank...:Handshake

 

Done! OK, not by me but my mechanic. The car is running smoooooooth. Thanks for everyone's advice. It took him close to 4 hours. All the vibration and shaking is gone. All that's left is a fast car, I love it. This is the first V8 sports car I've ever owned. I have a pretty hefty V8 in my truck but that's one heavy a$$ truck so you can't really feel it.

 

......:Handshake

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