Mini Starter
 

Just bought a mini starter for a 76 455.

I know there are supposed to be shims to make the gears line up, but should the centerline be off by 1/2"? The stock bolts don't have enough thread to bolt this up to the block.

Am I missing something? Does the centerline of the mini starter line up differently than I stock one?

The distance left to right ( your photo arrows up and down ) is probably different between the two starters. Is this starter new, or a used one that someone may have milled the mounting plate?

Simple question....are the 2 starter flanges oriented the same direction in the picture? The picture looks like the mini starter bolt holes are horizontal and the regular starter bolt holes are vertical?

Eric

The left to right matches at the block interface. The hole spacing is 3.25" in that direction on both. I was able to bolt in the new one, but it wouldn't reach the block with the stock bolts.

In the picture, I tried to line up the centerline of the gears vertically.

I didn't measure the centerline from the horizontal. It is possible the mini has the gear offset to the left or right. Though, they both look to be centered.

I did not mean hole spacing, I meant from the gear ( pinion ) to either hole. Are you sure it's a Pontiac starter. I had to mill the mounting block on my CVR mini starter to fit the 428 engine.

Did you buy it new?Did it come with proper bolts?I have been using the IMI for years with no issues?Tom

Bought it new, no bolts with it. Seller said I can return, but if it fits, I'd rather use this one.

I haven't measured the gear to hole dimension. That'll be tonight when I get home.

I'll probably try shorter bolts, and let the starter bottom on the block without shims.

What's the danger if it's in the wrong position?

All of my Pontiac starters have 9 teeth on the pinion gear. The mini starter in the picture looks like 11. I'm no expert, but things are starting to add up to maybe it's for a different application.


EDIT: I just searched the forum and it seems that 9 and 11 tooth pinion gears are interchangeable, so that's no help.

I could t use stock bolts with my mini starter either. But it lines up fine and starts it fine . BUT if your starter has the ability to be clocked take those bolts/ screws out and thread locker them because they will come loose over time from vibration and ruin your ring gear at the most inopportune time . I learned that the hard way.

Thanks guys, problem solved. TC and turbo69bird, yes. the gear is in a different location, and shorter bolts did the trick.

Had to use about 1/2" shorter, 3/8" bolts. Tightened it down to the block, and all good.