Technical Tips > Pre 84
Which starter motor for my car?
Mattrix:
So I'm finally getting a new starter motor because this one decided to pack it in (it worked every now and then before, now it's just refusing to play ball, so time to replace!).
Basically, I thought they were all the same (some places saying "fits all sbc up until xxxx year") but I'm seeing a few different variations around and want to make sure I get the right one. So, what is going to fit on my engine? It's a 78 model, auto, sbc. There are some good prices on starters on ebay from the states so I will probably end up going down that route. (for example, this one - http://cgi.ebay.com.au/SBC-BBC-CHEVY-HIGH-TORQUE-MINI-STARTER-3HP-RED-/350451381278?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item519887b41e - provided they don't go nuts on the postage cost!).
Cheers
Matt
gtc:
Unless you are fussy about originality, high torque (or gear reduction) starters are the way to go. They crank the engine over at around 4 times the speed of the old "low torque" units and get it started quick smart. Less stress on battery, etc. They are also smaller and lighter.
I have a CVR 3.1 HP unit on my solid lifters big block. It was purchased here a few years ago through Rocket Industries, and came with the correct shim set for Chev engines. The old Delco was fond of smashing its pinion gear and damaging the ring gear into the bargain.
I note in that eBay ad that the supplier has had manufacturing quality issues with the SBC BBC brand.
The only issue I've had with the CVR unit is one of the screws on the cap came loose causing the brushes to lose earth contact. Fixed that with Loctite.
I can't comment on small block specs, but in my case I needed to know the number of teeth on the ring gear.
Another thing to consider is proximity to exhaust headers. With the high torque unit's variable rotation mounting angle you may have the benefit of situating the solenoid so that it is away from the heat.
Mattrix:
Thanks for the response GTC. So, short of counting all the teeth on the flexplate, is there an easier way to figure it out? And no, definitely not fussed about originality, I just wanna get the car starting again so I can drive the damn thing every now and then :)
gtc:
--- Quote from: Mattrix link=topic=8260.msg1045939369#msg1045939369 --- So, short of counting all the teeth on the flexplate, is there an easier way to figure it out?
--- End quote ---
I don't know another way, although tooth count is related to the diameter of the flexplate/flywheel so there may be a clue in that for you if you can measure it or find a part number on it. In the end you need to arrive at a total of 153 teeth or 168 teeth.
Mattrix:
After some serious googling, I came across this -
http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/171683/
Seems to have the info I need in there. Some good reading, might help some other aussie Vette owners with the same question as me.
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