Guys,

I removed the flex plate from my 20B today and found a crack.  So, as they say, "I now have skin in the game."  I was out in the garage tonight, contemplating this problem and a possible solution came to me.  I'll run it by you guys here and see what you think.

Comparing the 20B flex plate to a picture on the Mazdatrix web site, it appears that the 20B auto flex plate is identical to the Renesis auto flex plate.  The outer dimensions (ring gear) and offset from eccentric shaft flange to outer edge of ring gear of the 20B flex plate is the same as the 13B plate I removed from my 20B today.  The Renesis/20B plate has a more gradual dish shape than the 13B, and is thicker too.  Since I had a spare 20B flex plate and a spare 13B flex plate, I took a few quick measurements, and it looks like the 13B flex plate could be easily made to nest down inside the 20B plate by removing the 13B's ring gear.  That would allow for the two plates to be bolted together using the four 20B outer bolt holes along with the six crank bolts in the center (when installing on engine).  Then the existing redrive adapter plate could be attached using the original four existing bolts existing in the 13B plate.  This would leave the RD2-C aluminum adapter plate offset by the thickness of the 20B flex plate (.090"), and would result in a much stronger flex plate.  I calculate this would increase the FWF weight by about 4 lbs.

Comments?