[against all odds]

Whoops. Didn't catch that. Yes, 1pc and 2pc seal flexplates not compatable. 85 4.3 could take a 229 flexplate, 86 and later can't.

i guess that explains why the crate zz383, 383ht and others that i was looking at last night come with an externally balanced flexplate----because they have the newer 1pc rear seal.

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by Two8tyThree

Correct, but he did say he used it on his mid 90's 4.3L? Did he file the holes?

I see that now. Good catch. I don't know, but he's in for a rude awakening if he hasn't bolted it up yet!

[rusty rockerpanels]

nope! no filing involved. Meds reek havoc with my memory, but I wouldn't have filed it out. there might have been a 92 305 laying around, but I was pretty sure The flex plate came off 229. I don't relish the thought of pulling it back out just to look. I suppose I could put stick flywheel back on and fire it on the ground. thank you for your response
Rusty rocker-panels


something about insulated gloves and snowmobile suit makes it hard to crawl under a car just now

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by rusty rockerpanels

nope! no filing involved. Meds reek havoc with my memory, but I wouldn't have filed it out. there might have been a 92 305 laying around, but I was pretty sure The flex plate came off 229. I don't relish the thought of pulling it back out just to look. I suppose I could put stick flywheel back on and fire it on the ground. thank you for your response
Rusty rocker-panels


something about insulated gloves and snowmobile suit makes it hard to crawl under a car just now

I heard that! We're enjoying a very mild winter here- so far.

The flexplate wouldn't have bolted on (229 is 2-piece RMS, the '90's 4.3L is 1-piece RMS- they have different bolt patterns), so no worries there. The only 4.3L V6 Chev engine that could have used the 229 flexplate is the very first year of the 4.3L- '85.

So as long as the starter nose matches the diameter of the flexplate- and the holes in the block for the correct starter are present and accounted for- you are good to go. In my experience, the only engine that may be a problem is a 229 V6 Chevy, as some or all had only the side by side starter bolt holes for the smaller flexplate from the factory, and on the 229 engine I had experience w/this problem (a '81) was also lacking enough "meat" to drill the offset outer hole.