ShinodaVette

Ok, I discovered the hard way that I need a different starter to go with the Keisler automatic to manual conversion kit.

So, thinking that this PowerMaster 9100 mini starter would work I bought it from Summit. However, it doesn't look like it is going to fit and I'm wondering if I am doing something wrong.

First, the bolt for the dust cover on the front of the bell housing was in the way so I removed it. It doesn't look like it will be able to go back in place with the starter in there. Second, the starter doesn't completely cover the starter hole in the dust cover so it looks like dirt/trash/whatever will just go right into the bell housing. Third, there is a raised line in the dust cover that the face of this starter hits that is keeping it from sitting flush with the dust cover. This keeps the inward bolt hole from lining up.

Am I just not doing something right or is this starter just not meant for this engine? It's my factory block with Keisler's bell housing and Tremec TKO-500 tranny. If this starter isn't right, does anybody know what starter will bolt right up and not have a problem with my 10.5:1 compression ratio? I don't really want to pay a ton of money for a new starter.

I appreciate any help here.

Brown78

I used my stock starter from my old 350 to my new ZZ4 385 hp. and keisler 5 speed.

ShinodaVette

I was hoping to do the same. Unfortunately the stock starter will not even go through the hole in the dust cover. The nose cone is too big for the new bell housing and cover. I've heard that is usually the case for an automatic starter on a manual conversion.

Brown78

I used my stock starter from my old 350 to my new ZZ4 385 hp. and Keisler 5 speed. I found that Keisler will answer all your questions. And help with the right part. Give them a call tomorrow.

Ironcross

The automatic and standard starters are the same if its a later model C3

Brown78

I might be wrong. But, I think there is a big difference between auto and manual starters. You have to get a GM small block starter for manual trans. Starters aren't that expensive..

Binnie77

The manual starter has a smaller nose (usually steel) than the automatic starters. You can buy the steel nose and swap it out with the aluminum nose on the starter you took off but I discovered the nose costs almost as much as a rebuilt starter. I just went to NAPA and bought the starter for a standard and it works fine.

ShinodaVette

My 10.5:1 compression isn't all that high compared to other engines but I've read that you shouldn't go over 10:1 for a stock starter. Will the stock starter be fine for 10.5:1 compression?

markdtn

I would get a Delco reman starter for a C4. It is a mini starter, very reliable, and should work with your dust cover and higher compression.

0GENE-KEISLER SALES

We typically recommend the following

It is a indexable mini starter.

Summits part number is sum-820328

Gm performance number 12361146

Call us if you have any other questions.

Gene

IrishJoker

Go get a starter for a MANUAL Transmission for the year of your car - a starter for an automatic transmission will not work on a manual transmission. I am assuming you had to replace the fly wheel in this conversion?

IrishJoker

THAT is not true.

gkull

I have the PowerMaster 9400. It is the same as your 9100. The starter block has two sets of mounting holes one for a 168 tooth flywheel or flex and one for 153 tooth.

It doesn't even have a big snout like a stock starter...... just the toothed gear.

Can you take a picture of your dust cover? something is not right and it's not the starter if it is a GM version.

By the way. I never used a dust cover for 20 years with my automatic trannies. Extra cooling!

This is my older starter setup The Summit brand of powermaster with 9.5 inch 3500 stall, 168 tooth flex, and racing 700R4. So you would need to use the outer holes on a 153 tooth

0GENE-KEISLER SALES

The biggest difference in the starters is actually the way they clock off
the block for either 153 or 168 tooth flywheels or flexplates. Actually has
nothing to do with the automatic or manual car.


Gene

DVNTST8

Used the GM performance mini starter on mine, works perfectly.

Ironcross

You cant make that statement without knowing the year as I dont think it was noted.

This is partially correct as I think 72 -82 350`s have different noses depending on auto or standard.

ShinodaVette

That GM performance starter looks very similar in shape and mounting to the Powermaster 9100 I have sitting here.




That definitely makes me wonder why this one isn't fitting right. Is this GM one supposed to completely cover the starter hole in the dust cover?

I'll have to get a picture or two of what I'm dealing with here. It would be nice to use this starter since it is here but I'm willing to replace it as necessary with one of the other options presented here.

68/70Vette

I've got one and it's great. Light weight, and it's mounting block is drilled for either diamter flywheel. I've mine on a ZZ4.
I'm using the stock 68 bellhousing, though.

IrishJoker

His statement was that late model C3's used the same starter for manual or auto tranny's - I said not true - you just confirmed my Statement! So where am I wrong - since I know this for a fact - my LATE model 81 is a manual and has a fly wheel and not a flex plate and can't use the starter for an auto tranny.

Your range covers more then LATE model - (72-82) - late model would be 78-82 in my book .

tigers123

The mini starters don't lend themselves too well to dust covers, or am I missing something here? They are nice in respect to fitting either tooth flexplate. I am concerned about getting dust and debris up around the front seal of an auto and think maybe a dust cover could help in that respect. What say yee fellow members? I would like input, maybe I could learn something here myself.