I have been trying to figure out what is better or does it make difference with SBC flexplate, is 153 way to go or is 168 teeth better and what is difference. I have an idea but not sure if it is correct. What you guys think?
Hopefully I am understanding your question.... Been a while, but I am pretty sure that the tooth count is dependent on the crank. I remember looking at the summit catalog and figuring it out, but basically one will bolt to a 400 crank and the other will bolt to all other SBC cranks. I had the same question when I was putting my SBC together. Just looked it up, hera ya go... http://www.speedwaymotors.com/p/220...d400-Small-Block-Chevy.html?itemNo=FLEX+PLATE
either flexplate will work. you can get a 168 tooth externally balanced flexplate for use with a 400, or you can get a 168 tooth internally balanced flexplate for use with almost any other six cylinder, small block or big block that is internally balanced.
It depends on which starter you plan on using. The older (pre 1969) motors had less compression so the smaller diameter starter ring gear was okay. Small dia. is the 153 tooth which uses a starter with a straight bolt pattern. When the bigger and high compression engines came out (1969 amd later), Chevy went to a bigger 168 tooth ring gear that gives the starter a little more leverage. The bigger dia. flexplate uses the staggered bolt pattern starter. Either flexplate will fit the crank hub (up to 1986). The 400 small block requires a counter balance. Check your block to make sure it is drilled for whichever starter you are planning on using. Some are not drilled for both style starters.
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