CentralCoaster

I have the LT1 small starter... trying to bolt up to my 85.

There's 3 holes in the engine block, the LT1 starter uses the back two holes, but the aluminum starter casing interferes on the front side and won't allow it to mount flush.

What are you guys using? Do I have to buy a $300 ministarter from summit now?

85vet

I went to a local Starter/alternator shop & got a mini for about $125.

SHINOBI-X

CC,

A friend of mine uses a mid 90's stock sized GMC/chevy truck starter for the standard 350's. His car is a 74 camaro with a pre-85 gen-1 block just like your 85's block is. He has used it for years and its light weight and looks just like a mini starter. I can't comment on the price though,probobly just the same as a summit mini starter around 149.99 or higher?

mseven

I ended up w/a Bosch reman, lifetime warranty, 169. On the 90 I think that std. starter is a mini. Try napa and ask for a 90, l98 (they ask vin code, 8), see if it matches yours. I thought new AC price was a bit stupid. I would think they are the same, both are Gen 1 sbc's.

Nathan Plemons

You might could use an LT1 starter off of an F-body. I'm not sure about the front / bellhousing configuration, it could be different though. A friend of mine is using one on his Iroc, but he's using a standard bellhousing instead of a ZF-6, LT1 piece.

Midnight 85

I picked my mini starter up at a swap meet from a vendor that specializes in them. It had no brand name on it but the guy said he would stand behind it 1 year. Keep in mind that the L98 starter's bolt holes are straight across from each other, the LT-1 and big block starters have staggered holes. The L98 block is tapped to accept either but the only one that works with your flywheel,(if it's original) is the straight across bolt pattern. In case you're wondering how I know this it's because I have a brand new, never been used mini with the staggered bolt holes that a less than honest vendor gave me a "Deal" on. Incidentally, I paid $125 for each of mine and if anybody needs a staggered hole starter I'll let it go for $125 shipped.

vader86

If you have to buy another starter let me know, I need a small one to clear the headers, and i was thinking of the 88-96 starter.

CentralCoaster

Will it fit your block though? I'll snap a pic so you can judge for yourself. Oh, and btw, I don't think that any L98s had a mini from the factory. I think this was only on the LT1.

vader86

88-96 is listed as the same starter by TLD, though the original was made by Denso.

Not all suppliers will list them as the same part, but most places dont sell the original factory used starter anymore. Production was taken by others.

The later L98 starter is a mini, but maybe your definition of 'mini' is different. Its certainly 10lbs lighter.

CentralCoaster

By mini, I mean the gear reduction starter.


84-87 10496871
88-91 10455702
92-96 10455709

I have the 92-96 starter. So, you're saying the 88-91 is a mini also? Seems strange, considering the bellhousing had the fat opening in it for those years. Maybe it was a mini starter with a larger snout?

mseven

I just looked and my original has the 10455702 pn. nonstaggered 2 bolt hole pattern if that helps. There is no snout as such and fits flush gear is the only thing that extends.

CentralCoaster

Well, the starter had a little conversation with Mr. angle grinder, and now it gets along just fine with the engine block.



Conclusion: LT1 starters will not bolt on to a 2pc rear main block unless you have a grinder.



No. The bolt holes on the LT1 starter are not staggered, it uses the same straight across holes (after cutting) as my original 85 starter does.

CentralCoaster

now, this big fat ground wire, do I just bolt that under one of the starter bolt heads? I completely forgot where it went to before. Could go to the bellhousing for all I know.