PRW 18 PRW Gold Series Flexplate (SFI-Rated 29.1) - Manual

PRW Industries, Inc.
1722 Illinois Avenue
Perris, California 92571
Tele: (951) 436-7900
Tech: (888) 377-9779
PRW SFI Chromoly Series Flexplate Installation
Instructions
PARTS LIST
Item Quantity
Flexplate 1 each
SFI 29.1 Certification Sticker 1 each
Step 1
Clean and inspect all parts (verify that the serial number on the sticker matches the SFI number engraved on the flexplate).
Step 2
If not already completed, punch out the date on the SFI Decal and apply to the flexplate.
Step 3
Use a rubber mallet or block of wood to tap the flexplate into place onto the flange of the crankshaft. Tap it evenly and
flush upwards alongside the crankshaft flange. DO NOT draw the flexplate unto the crank with bolts or impact wrench.
Step 4
After the flexplate has been placed onto the crankshaft, use thread locker on the flexplate
bolts and torque to OEM specifications. To receive proper torque on the bolts, follow the
torque pattern below, use flat washers only.
Step 5
Hand turn the crankshaft to verify there is no wobble in the ring gear and to make sure it
clears the housing. NOTES: 1) Welding weights on the flexplate for engine balancing is not
recommended and voids warranty; 2) drilling holes for balance is permissible, but not
recommended; 3) high performance and racing applications new flexplate bolts with a rating of 180,000 PSI or higher is
recommended.
SPECIAL NOTE: Ford SB & BB
Stock Torque Converter – remove standard drain plug and replace with special Allen Head drain plug (PRW PN 1800005)
to preclude interference with flywheel. The use of a GM Converter requires a PQ Series Flexplate and Crank Adapter
#1800460 (PRW 18460xx Platinum Series) or #1800302 (PRW 18302xx Platinum Series).
Starter Alignment and Shimming
1. Begin the shimming process, if needed, by using a feeler gauge to measure the flexplate to starter clearance with the
current setup. If, you don’t have a set of feeler gauges, a paper clip can be used as a cheap alternative, they are normally
around 0.035” thick. Insert the measuring tool between the flexplate teeth and starter teeth. You are looking for a
clearance between 0.035” to 0.065”. If clearance is too close, you will need to add shims to where the starter mounts to
the block.
2. If shimming the starter is necessary, be sure that the starter-mounting surface is clean from any excessive gunk or paint.
After cleaning reinstall the starter and recheck the clearance between the starter teeth and flexplate teeth.
3. After cleaning the mounting surface and rechecking the clearance, if the tooth-to-tooth clearance is still not correct start
adding one shim at a time until proper clearance is achieved. Most aftermarket starter shims are 0.015” and increase the
tooth-to-tooth clearance to about 0.0075”. Normally using one shim will cure the alignment problem. If more than four