ATI vs TCI vs other on Flexplates
 

If you've read any of my other thread on Starter shims with an IA2 block and a RobbMC starter, you'll read that I lost teeth on my TCI Flexplate. I was under the impression that the starter pinion was suppose to be the sacrificial piece instead of the ring gear on the flex plate but thats not my case.
So which Flexplate is everyone using? Success, failures, your opinions. I was thinking about going to the J.W. wheel but can't get one of them possibly until June! The Meziere seems to be a little more than what I need at this point but not ruling that out. The TCI is available now but after I've seen how "soft" the ring gear is, I'm not to thrilled in using one of them again. The ATI plate is also available now but couldn't find anything on it for quality, failures, issues etc.

Any and all input greatly appreciated.

I have a TCI about 8 years old no issues.

I hadn't heard any negative comments on the TCI flexplate so I sprung for one after going though 3 other brand x ones in as many years. �� with the TCI I have lost 2 pinions and mangled one. Flexplate was scared some but very usable. Just touched up with a file. Still no issues.
Would be curious where/how the bad mouth occurred. Just saying.
Having said that Rob, how old is your TCI ? Maybe theyhave a new version?

My TCI was purchased new in the summer of 14 when I was putting my car back together. I did a search on PY and found several people had issues with TCI spitting teeth. The ring gear on it looks beautiful..except where it snapped teeth off of it.
Think I'm going with an ATI this go around, read nothing but good things about them except for Probird having to open the holes up a touch. Just pissed that I'm having to do this already. Ran an el cheapo Scat/Cat on my old motor forever without any issues.

i lost a tooth on a tci replaced it with the ati. it is a very nice piece and not too pricey compared to the jw if i remeber correctly

The ATI was $50 cheaper than the TCI and made in the U.S.of A. Not sure about the TCI, probably US made but after loosing teeth when it probably shouldn't have, I'll try something different.

I run a ATI in my 63 with no issues. Lost some teeth on the previous TCI.

I ran the cheapest CAT SFI flexplate on my old 455 I could buy and still to this day, it has all it's teeth. It took low batteries, crappy starters, and more kick backs than I care to mention and is still hanging in there. I have broke newer SCATs and now a PRW. With that being said, my brothers PRW has been treated kinda ruff and it is still hanging in there.

The only issue I've had with my TCI is the sides were mislabeled from the factory. One side was labeled "this side towards engine" or some such, but it was wrong. It's impossible to put it on wrong, but it made me wonder. I called to tell them, but they didn't seem particularly interested. Other than that, no operational issues with TCI flexplates. I'm due to replace this fall and I'll probably get another TCI.

Jim

Yep, other than the bolt holes too small the ATI has been great since I put it on around 4 or so years ago.

Prior to installing the motor mach up the starter to block and check the clearance on four quadrants around the flexplate. Get the shim right and you won't have a problem. Usually the problem is bad installation rather than bad parts.

reactor

I recently had to replace my second TCI flexplate. Both were well used, 4-5 seasons at least. My guess is the teeth get work hardened after a lot of usage, and eventually they are brittle enough to shear off. I installed an ATI this time around. It seems like it is closer to being perfectly round when compared to the TCI's I've used in the past, and it cost less. MY 12 year old IMI starter cranks it pretty fast and smooth now, using one battery and a 50 amp alternator.

I guess time will tell the story, as far as which lasts longer.

I just installed the SFI one I got from Butler. Looked good.

I've been using the same TCI since 2005 with no issues.

I broke a tooth off my TCI using a screwdriver to rotate my old low compression 400. It didn't seem like I had used excess force.

Went with the ATI. Now I just have to find the time to get it swapped out this week.

I'm using a JW wheel,good quality bit of kit,bought it used off ebay for £1 'cos the cert was up!

CSR Torque Master. Not sure if they still make it.

"CSR Torque Master Flexplates are designed to withstand the stresses of today’s high horsepower engines with nitrous oxide and high stall torque converters. Flexplate center is constructed using 3/16” thick chrome moly steel that is fully machined. With a fixture welded ring gear to ensure minimum run out and has a gold irradiate finish for lasting protection. CSR Flexplates are .062 thicker than OEM units and are double welded to withstand the rigors of high rpm racing. Torque Master Flexplates are approximately 3 lbs heavier than stock to improve reaction/and 60 ft. times. Torque Master Flexplates greatly exceed SFI. specification 29.1. SFI Certification valid 3 Years."

Put the new ATI flexplate in tonight. Remeasured and shimmed up the new starter and now cranks perfect. Sounds awesome! Didn't have any issues with having to open up the holes as probird mentioned. Getting to old to be doing this chit on my back. ;)