Jughead

I'm using a mini-starter and got two shims in the package. How do I tell if I need to shim the starter?

Kid Vette

I always try it without the shims first. If the starter drags when it disengages (you can hear it) then I try shimming. My experience is that shimming is rarely necessary.

81' Corvette Guy

My 81 wears a shim..just one though.

Jack71

I actually looked at how the starter engaged the flywheel to get an idea. You can pull the thingie out of the started with your fingers. My ministarter takes a shim too.

LiveandLetDrive

Jack's got it. Measure the maximum engaged distance from the mounting-face to the end of the gear, then shim until you duplicate that length on the new starter. The starter I did this to was a universal stock type, but hopefully ministarters are similar.

-Chris