[Rob in NH]

The starter went bad on my 69 firebird so i ordered a replacement from napa. Installed it tonite and when i started it sounded like it was rubbing on something and it kept making the noice after it was running so i shut it off right away. I assume i need shims, how many do you normally need for this ? Also this starter was tough to get the mounting bolts installed, is this normal?

[silverbullet07]

There is no set amount of shims. You have to measure with a 020-inch wire gauge to check for the pinion to flywheel clearance. If it was the same type of starter and nothing else was changed I am surprise if it did not have shims it would need it now. Usually if you change flywheel, or type of starter it may need shimmed.

[Forrest]

Not surprising.. housings (starter mounts) pinion depth, gear differences etc..) for new starters can be a little different due to manufacturing differences... I would just start with a few or so and reduce till satisfactory results are obtained...always worked for me this way

[JLMounce]

Yup, there's no set amount. Your new starter should have had new shims with it. Silverbullet07 has the correct measuring procedure in his post.

When doing a recent install on my 69 bird, I found there to be some trial and error even after measuring. I think I installed, removed and reinstalled about 3 times to get it where it was happy.

[Rob in NH]

I talked to the parts man and he told me he would order another. Thanks

[azbirds]

I've noticed over the years that all my manual transmission cars never have needed starter shims while all my automatic transmission cars have always needed shims.