Starter for 454.
Thread Starter
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,922
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Starter for 454.
My BB is an engine out of a 1987 454 Suburban. I'm looking to add a new starter and a lot of places want to know if the Sub was a R-20, R2500 etc or they ask for the VIN. I don't know the VIN and don't know series of the donor Suburban. The body was long gone when I bought the engine.
Any clue as to which one would work or doesn't it matter?
Here's how the engine looked when I picked it up.
and After:
Any clue as to which one would work or doesn't it matter?
Here's how the engine looked when I picked it up.
and After:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
I'd guess the differences may have more to do with the vehicle it was installed in, clearance or wiring concerns.
Is the block, flywheel, bell housing the same style as the earlier 454s?
Maybe bring your starter to the auto parts store to compare?
BTW: Was your car originally a big block? Just curious. One item which is often missing is the heat shield which defects heat away from the solenoid. They're available from the parts vendors. Looks like you did a nice job with it.
Is the block, flywheel, bell housing the same style as the earlier 454s?
Maybe bring your starter to the auto parts store to compare?
BTW: Was your car originally a big block? Just curious. One item which is often missing is the heat shield which defects heat away from the solenoid. They're available from the parts vendors. Looks like you did a nice job with it.
Last edited by BBCorv70; Feb 24, 2011 at 10:37 AM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,922
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Block is 1987, flywheel is new but stock. Bellhousing is a "421" stock pre-70.
Car originally an L-46, engine long gone when I bought it.
Car originally an L-46, engine long gone when I bought it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
L46? Small block? Did you replace the radiator and radiator support to 27 1/2"? Lots of small parts go with the LS5. How many you really need to drive the car I don't know. I'm mainly curious. LOVE big block Corvettes, original or not, all are cool.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 34
From: Porterville Ca
I'm not sure what the differences are, your best bets are to either have it rebuilt, rebuild it yourself, or take it to the parts store when they're not busy (or leave it if you dare) so they can match it up or do research. Usually the body will have a part number stamped on it, but it may be irrelavent if it's been rebuilt and parts have been co-mingled. There may be a local rebuilder, or the parts store may be able to send it off and have it rebuilt if it's a independent store. Things to watch out for are 1) the location of the copper tab that connects to the solenoid, older starters have a short or a longer (more powerful) winding ,longer is preferred 2) number of teeth on gear 3) position of gear relative to the mounting bolts. Your engine looks great !
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 923
Likes: 4
From: Austin Tx
I think the starter I have on my 71 BB is from a 2002 escalade. I went to Advanced Auto and the counter guy pulled one off the shelf and said it would work and it does.
As long as it is a staggered bolt pattern and GM it should fit. I like the newer stye starters because they are all mini starters. I'll never put one of those boat anchors on any engine again.
As long as it is a staggered bolt pattern and GM it should fit. I like the newer stye starters because they are all mini starters. I'll never put one of those boat anchors on any engine again.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,316
Likes: 284
From: Ocala FL
Do you have points ignition or an HEI stuffed under that red cap?
If points, you need to order a big block starter prior to 1975 so that the solenoid has four contacts - battery (top big), starter (bottom big), ignition switch (inside little), and ignition resistor bypass (outside little).
If you have electronic ignition, then any will work.
If points, you need to order a big block starter prior to 1975 so that the solenoid has four contacts - battery (top big), starter (bottom big), ignition switch (inside little), and ignition resistor bypass (outside little).
If you have electronic ignition, then any will work.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 840
Likes: 4
From: Syracuse IN
Do you have points ignition or an HEI stuffed under that red cap?
If points, you need to order a big block starter prior to 1975 so that the solenoid has four contacts - battery (top big), starter (bottom big), ignition switch (inside little), and ignition resistor bypass (outside little).
If you have electronic ignition, then any will work.
If points, you need to order a big block starter prior to 1975 so that the solenoid has four contacts - battery (top big), starter (bottom big), ignition switch (inside little), and ignition resistor bypass (outside little).
If you have electronic ignition, then any will work.
, That sure looks like a points distributer.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 5
From: Middleburg Florida
Jughead,
That's a very nice looking engine bay! It looks like your fuel pressure guage is liquid filled. I've been told (by Holley reps actually), that a liquid filled fuel pressure guage will show little or no fuel pressure if it's in an engine bay with a closed hood, due to the heat changing the viscosity of the liquid. Does your guage show pressure when the engine is at temp, after you've been driving a bit?
That's a very nice looking engine bay! It looks like your fuel pressure guage is liquid filled. I've been told (by Holley reps actually), that a liquid filled fuel pressure guage will show little or no fuel pressure if it's in an engine bay with a closed hood, due to the heat changing the viscosity of the liquid. Does your guage show pressure when the engine is at temp, after you've been driving a bit?
Thread Starter
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,922
Likes: 156
From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Do you have points ignition or an HEI stuffed under that red cap?
If points, you need to order a big block starter prior to 1975 so that the solenoid has four contacts - battery (top big), starter (bottom big), ignition switch (inside little), and ignition resistor bypass (outside little).
If you have electronic ignition, then any will work.
If points, you need to order a big block starter prior to 1975 so that the solenoid has four contacts - battery (top big), starter (bottom big), ignition switch (inside little), and ignition resistor bypass (outside little).
If you have electronic ignition, then any will work.
