1976-1985 GM's Astro, Safari, CK Series, Blazer, Jimmy, Camaro, Impala, Century, Monte Carlo, Corvette, Firebird, G/P-Series, LeSabre, Ventura 6 cyl 4.1L, V6 4.3L, V8 5.0L/5.7L engine

All automatic transmission cars have flexplates. These thin discs of stamped steel perform a number of functions well out of proportion to their design complexity.

The flexplate is bolted to the back of an engine's crankshaft and occupies the position that would be inhabited by the flywheel on a manual-transmission car. It's primary job is to connect the transmission's torque converter to the engine's crankshaft.

Flexplates have teeth on the outer ring and strongly resemble a large cog or gear. This starter motor engages this ring to turn the motor over while starting.

GM Flexplate Flywheel