[jpg69bird]

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?

[tc]

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?

[Elarson]

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

[jpg69bird]

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.

[tc]

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.

[tom s]

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

[jpg69bird]

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?

[23337 YT]

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.

[turbo69bird]

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.

[jpg69bird]

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.