2. Two-piece billet flexplate
This kind of flexplate is usually used for track-only racing vehicle. But currently, you can also find it is installed in street-driven applications, cause it can deliver more horsepower from turbocharged and supercharged combinations, along with high-compression engines.
This kind of flexplate benefits from thicker and more durable center plate with more robust ring gears installed, by welding or bolting them together. But the extreme temperature swings in welding process can warp the flexplate, which can cause starter misalignment and finally broken teeth. In fact, this never seems to take place during time trials or testing, but conversely, rears its head when you are preparing for the final round.
3. One-piece billet flexplate
This kind of flexplate is the strongest and most precisely-machined one in the market. As a result, it turns out to be the ultimate flexplate for drag racer. For this kind of flexplate, ring gear is integral to center section, which means they are one solid piece. One-piece billet flexplate is usually SFI 29.2 certified and is made of superb materials for utmost in strength.
This kind of flexplate has SFI’s most severe 29.2 safety rating and is used for racing vehicle that has more than 1700 horsepower. In terms of safety requirement, double-lined “cans” around flexplate area are required in racing vehicle with high horsepower, which lead to reduction of flexplate’s diameter from traditional 36.07cm to 35.05cm. In the meanwhile, adoption of 10-pitch gear profile and relocation of starter pinion is required as well to make sure proper gear mesh.
For drag racer, lower moment of inertia proves to be vital and essential for a controlled hit off the line. Smaller diameter torque converter with a lightweight flexplate can provide consistent and controlled hit desired. This point is notably appealing to racers in classes where consistency is the key, namely bracket racing, sportsman classes, Top Dragster and Top Sportsman.
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