Ok, So I just replaced the cracked flex-plate on my 84 CC. Found out that when the engine was replaced they used the newer style one-piece rear main block from 86 to not sure what year. I got a flex plate for an 86, which was the same as what was on there, and put it all back together. Now my starter is not aligning properly (too far away from ring gear). The starter was already marginal so I decided to replace with a mini starter. My block is set-up for both staggered and inline bolt pattern for the starter. I was looking at summit and saw almost all of their mini-starters are inline bolt pattern even with 168 tooth. Can I use the inline pattern starter as long as its the 168 tooth or does it have to be the staggered? Its a 350/ TH400 combo Any help is welcome.
CK5
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Mini Starters
- Thread starter K5-CJ5
- Start date
454Sub
5/8 ton status
You can buy gear reduction starters over the counter if you would like. Any late 90s and up Chevy starter is smaller/lighter/gear reduction type.
Good to know thanks. The reason I ask about the summit starter was because my dad has one that he isn't using that I can get cheap/free! Its a 168 tooth, but inline bolt pattern and I wondered if it would work. I know it will bolt to my block but wasnt sure if it mattered about the inline versus staggered as long as its a 168 tooth.
Most if not all aftermarket mini starters use the inline pattern and have 4 holes for use with either flexplate/flywheel.
Thanks that helps me out a lot and saves me some $$!
bronc3buster842001
1/2 ton status
If you need the stagger bolt pattern... The Astro van, S10's and fullsize trucks from like 90 up have a gear reduction starter... When I hit the junk yards, I look at the astor vans cause they are the last to be picked... They also have like 6 ft. 2 gauge battery cables..
If you need the straight across pattern, the LT1 Camaros had gear reduction...
If you need the straight across pattern, the LT1 Camaros had gear reduction...
schuttothrill
1/2 ton status
Since you're down there, make sure you use a starter brace if you don't already have one. GR starter will probably need a different brace than a DD unit uses. Worth every penny!
bronc3buster842001
1/2 ton status
Ive never seen a brace for the gear reduction ones...... Ive been trying to find one..
schuttothrill
1/2 ton status
Guess I missed that you're running a 350. I have a 6.2 with a GR, and the bracket from a 6.5 which came with a GR worked for me. Not sure if a SBC would need one with the lower compression, but sure wouldn't hurt! Sorry for the confusion, just wanted to throw the brace thing out there since a lot of people don't consider it. 
