GM starter support bracket

[TJ1978]

Hello, everybody!!!
The block from the previous owner had "fixed" a bolt hole that cracked or something. It was "filled" with something. The outer most bolt slot for a staggered starter pattern.

The one on now is able to be clocked. Now, will one of those screws on the front be able to be used for a GM starter bracket?

I know I know, some hate them, some don't even know about them, and some don't care about that bracket. I on the other hand would like to use one, these starters are heavy and in an already compromised part of the block, if like some support on that beefy starter.

Do I have to remove the starter to clock it or can the front be turned to get one of the screw closer up top.

Google image of what I'm talking about. Notice the portion to attach the bracket very different than what I have on the truck now. The mini starter I ordered was dead out of the box and past return window, shop installed this one as it's local and easier for warranty. Bla bla Bla.





Starter on the truck now.. I assume the 3 allen type looking bolts are unscrewed and the starter can clocked that way?

 

[Wes Harden]

No you can't clock that. Is not like an alternator.
The nose has the threaded holes for the through bolts. Unless there is a second set of holes at the correct position, you are stuck with that.
And yes I would remove the starter if clocking were possible

 

[TJ1978]

You can rotate it, I think just to rotate thr solenoid from hot spots, ProForm 66259. I wasn't sure of the model so I called the shop and they me gave the part number and model.

High-Torque Starter; Gear Reduction Type; 1.4KW; Fits Chevy V8-V6 Engines | #66259

High-torque, gear-reduction design. 100% NEW, not rebuilt. Offset design results in more clearance between the oil pan and the starter, and can be rotated for additional chassis clearance. The high-torque, high-output motor spins the engine over faster than stock starters, delivering 40-50% more...

www.proformparts.com

 

[TJ1978]

I've been reading these starters often times don't come with proper knurled bolts. So after some digging I ordered the bolt kit from summit. I'm going to investigate further. I was getting a noise that hasn't been before on start up and I know the sound. I though maybe the starter bolts are loose or getting loose.

I emailed pro form since this starter is considered "mid-size" I asked if the support is necessary and how to achieve attachment if it is indeed recommended.

Anyway, thanks for playing.

 

[Wes Harden]

A studded through bolt, would be best.
Possibly a old oem could donate, have compare length and thread size to know.
If last resort the bracket could be put under the through bolts. Bracket might need a tweek to line up with block

 

[dyeager535]

I've been reading these starters often times don't come with proper knurled bolts. So after some digging I ordered the bolt kit from summit. I'm going to investigate further. I was getting a noise that hasn't been before on start up and I know the sound. I though maybe the starter bolts are loose or getting loose.

I emailed pro form since this starter is considered "mid-size" I asked if the support is necessary and how to achieve attachment if it is indeed recommended.

Anyway, thanks for playing.

Good call on the proper bolts. It is important.

Really hard to tell if the motor housing is the same length as the OEM starter, which would affect bracket placement. One would think it to be a different size, as the gear reduction units are usually quite a bit smaller than the monsters that were original.

All I have is anecdotal evidence on that bracket. My engines for the past 23 years have not had one, both OEM style starter or the present mini-starter. Not by my intent, just never had my hands on one to install it. No idea what they were really designed for, as I don't *think* they were ever an "across the board" item. Maybe for certain engine combinations that stressed the starter more than others, and/or used the larger starters. Perhaps someone else knows.

 

[cheavyk10]

I can tell you my 84 K10 with the OE 305/SM465 didn't have the bracket. The truck still had the original starter when I got it (the truck was my dad's). Now equipped with a 350, the truck is only on its second starter. It's the big ole factory style unit. No problem.

 

[TJ1978]

Yeah, I doubt the bracket will fit as this is a "mid size" high torque starter. looking down into the engine bay it appeared to be close to stock size but exhaust, plug wires etc made some instructions. But after a google image searching OEM GM starters I doubt it is that size.

I was busy messing with my blazer and trying get the front bumper on the c10 to fit better so i didn't mess with the starter. The starter bolts should be here tomorrow from summit, so I figured I'd tackle it once I had all I needed.

It is odd these aftermarket starter companies don't sell them with the proper knurl on the bolts unless it's supposed to be a universal starter + bolts and that's why they don't. It's convenient they sell proper bolts separately. Charge ya more. Hahaha

I've read .074 thickness for the washer, which im sure I have.

Ha! Yes, far more people I've read don't even mess with that bracket than ones that absolutely swear by them.

 

[Wes Harden]

Of which washer do you speak?

 

[dyeager535]

Starter bolts normally have a wider head that negates the need for a washer.

I went through this a few years back, at the time, the starter bolts were still standardized...only a few lengths available, which fit both factory and aftermarket starters.

 

[wazzabie]

From the factory did all of the 350 motors have the support brace for the 73-87?