[Rev]

I know one thing that can ruin the flexplate because I did it myself. The torque convertor has a drain plug (or two) on the surface that abuts the flexplate. That drain plug/s must line up with a hole/s in the flex plate. That allows draining the torque convertor of fluid after the tranny is installed. It is possible to mount the convertor to the flex plate with the drain plug/s not lined up with the hole/s, There may be 2 drain plugs and corresponding holes. When the nuts are tightened that mount the convertor to the flex plate, the flex plate is then bent out of shape if not lined up correctly.

It didn't prevent the car from starting, but it ruined a starter motor and after inspection of the flex plate being turned by a new starter motor, it was clear that the flex plate was bent. I had to remove the tranny, buy a new flex plate and reinstall both of them as well as the new starter motor. It's a little painful to admit that I screwed up so badly 10 years ago, but it is a lesson learned with a lot of wasted time,effort, and money.

Rev