Quick starter question

[Element]

Getting ready to go grab a new starter, and the guy at Advance Auto said there was a large-drive opening and a small-drive opening version (AutoZone wanted $100, screw that). The large-drive is $30, the small-drive is $52...any difference in these?

'87 350.

 

[shaun89]

Getting ready to go grab a new starter, and the guy at Advance Auto said there was a large-drive opening and a small-drive opening version (AutoZone wanted $100, screw that). The large-drive is $30, the small-drive is $52...any difference in these?

'87 350.

im not 100% sure but i believe the large opening is what most people are used to, and the small opening is so theres just enough room for the gear to pop up and spin,im guessing its just to keep crap from getting in the starter when its hanging there, i actually just changed my starter and saw my old one had the big opening and my new one, has just enough room for the gear to pop through....maybe this will help u.....

 

[4X4HIGH]

You need to know which flexplate you have, there is a 153 tooth and also a 168 tooth. If you are able to measure somehow the 168 tooth is about 14" diameter. If you try to use the "small" starter with the 168 tooth flexplate the starter won't even go in and bolt up. If you try using the "large" starter with the 153 tooth flexplate then the starter will bolt up but won't mesh with the teeth on the flexplate.

 

[Blue85]

Don't you have your old starter?

 

[Element]

Haven't taken it out yet, going to do that tomorrow.

Just got the small-opening one...if it doesn't mount up right, I'll just go back and switch it for the large one.

 

[fireplug]

Huh. I've changed out an awful lot of starters and never heard of that before. Never been offered a choice either. Guess I got lucky.

You can bet now, the next time, I'll get the wrong one!