Thanks. I am taking it to a engine/transmission shop tomorrow. I am going to get a second opinion and have them fix it while I am out of town. I would be happy to buy the flexplate from Bill but since my GP is my only car, the repair is pretty time-sensitive. They said they would be able to have a flexplate in a day at $55-60 and with the labor, it should come to about $700. The guy was very knowledgeable and said he would have to take the starter out to verify that the flexplate is the actual problem. He was planning on dropping the tranny rather than taking out the motor.
How do you guys think my flexplate cracked anyway? I stumbled upon an article yesterday that said GM improperly alligned the flexplate in their 3.8L motors so they wear down from age, but I just hope this flexplate isn't a sign of a failing tranny or bad starter as well.
