Starter recommendations
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
Starter recommendations
I'm going to be doing an Auto to Manual swap and it looks like my Auto starter won't work with a 168 tooth flywheel. So if I have to buy a new starter, I want to replace it with something lighter. So what fits our cars with the 168 tooth flywheel? Can I use a starter off of a 91-96 LT-1 corvette, or something similar? Are those starters different for manual and auto also? Autozone sells a Duralast brand Mini starter, will one of those fit? help 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,207
Likes: 26
From: Ocean County NJ
I replaced the starter in my 68 last June with a mini starter. Smaller, lighter and 3HP torque 168 tooth. Here is a sample posting on ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SBC-BBC-CHEV...ht_3712wt_1156
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SBC-BBC-CHEV...ht_3712wt_1156
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
I replaced the starter in my 68 last June with a mini starter. Smaller, lighter and 3HP torque 168 tooth. Here is a sample posting on ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SBC-BBC-CHEV...ht_3712wt_1156
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SBC-BBC-CHEV...ht_3712wt_1156
And you're using this on a manual transmission car?
How's the quality of these DB electrical starters? I've read good and bad on them. are they made in China?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,207
Likes: 26
From: Ocean County NJ
Yes, I have a 4-speed Muncie. For $45, free shipping and easy installation, even if it fails every 12 months, it costs less to replace than to fill my tank 
Seriously though, it cranks up every time no problem. For what it's worth, this part was recommended to me by a reputable CF member whose recommendations and experience with C3s is beyond reproach. Anything he recommends for C3's is 2nd to Duntov in my book. He uses the same one in his C3 which is now in the process of a LS swap. 
Seriously though, it cranks up every time no problem. For what it's worth, this part was recommended to me by a reputable CF member whose recommendations and experience with C3s is beyond reproach. Anything he recommends for C3's is 2nd to Duntov in my book. He uses the same one in his C3 which is now in the process of a LS swap.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: In limbo
St. Jude Donor '13-'15, '17 thru '22
Yes, I have a 4-speed Muncie. For $45, free shipping and easy installation, even if it fails every 12 months, it costs less to replace than to fill my tank Seriously though, it cranks up every time no problem. For what it's worth, this part was recommended to me by a reputable CF member whose recommendations and experience with C3s is beyond reproach. Anything he recommends for C3's is 2nd to Duntov in my book. He uses the same one in his C3 which is now in the process of a LS swap.
Seriously though, it cranks up every time no problem. For what it's worth, this part was recommended to me by a reputable CF member whose recommendations and experience with C3s is beyond reproach. Anything he recommends for C3's is 2nd to Duntov in my book. He uses the same one in his C3 which is now in the process of a LS swap. What are starts like on hot days?
I have a standard-type starter that hasn't failed me yet (knock wood), but I was really holding my breath getting gas on the way home from Carlisle last year, being 175 miles from home and hearing the starter turn the engine a half turn about every 4 seconds! Do you know how the torque of this relates to the standard-type starter? They are easy enough to change, and at $60, this thing doesn't break the bank.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,683
Likes: 34
From: Working on the car NY
I'm going to be doing an Auto to Manual swap and it looks like my Auto starter won't work with a 168 tooth flywheel. So if I have to buy a new starter, I want to replace it with something lighter. So what fits our cars with the 168 tooth flywheel? Can I use a starter off of a 91-96 LT-1 corvette, or something similar? Are those starters different for manual and auto also? Autozone sells a Duralast brand Mini starter, will one of those fit? help
original oem) 168 tooth flexplate starter vs 153 tooth replacement
Last edited by TWINRAY; Feb 24, 2012 at 12:33 PM. Reason: photo
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
One of these 'mini' starters, which mount to the engine block, fit both 153 and 168 tooth flywheels/flexplates. Plus they are adjustable to clear exhaust, oil pans, etc. Summit Racing also sells repair parts. Much lighter weight than OEM starters. They are gear reduction instead of direct drive. The one I bought happens to be ProTorque, and it has never failed my mouse motor.
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Madeira Beach, FL
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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I installed a DB Electrical 168 tooth mini torque reduced gear starter.
They have great tech support if needed in helping with application.
My orig BB starter was struggling to turn over the stock engine.
The mini turns it over like its a riding mower.
1/3 the weight to have to bench press during install.
Easy as all wires were a direct swap over.
I still have points.
Starter can be used on either TEI/points.
Ill see what happens this summer.
But for $57.00 shipped I figured I'd giver it a try
especially since it got rave reviews on this forum by actual
users.
Marshal
They have great tech support if needed in helping with application.
My orig BB starter was struggling to turn over the stock engine.
The mini turns it over like its a riding mower.
1/3 the weight to have to bench press during install.
Easy as all wires were a direct swap over.
I still have points.
Starter can be used on either TEI/points.
Ill see what happens this summer.
But for $57.00 shipped I figured I'd giver it a try
especially since it got rave reviews on this forum by actual
users.
Marshal
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,109
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From: Madeira Beach, FL
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Paul74,
it is my understanding when I was inquiring about starters that the
10.5" bell housing on small blocks uses the 153 tooth flywheel.
Big blocks with a 11" bell housing have a 168 tooth flywheel.
Now, I see you have a turbo hydramatic 400
so it would be best to call DB Electrical and they will tell you what is recommended. I'd imagine on a 350 engine you are still using a 153 tooth flywheel.
Marshal
it is my understanding when I was inquiring about starters that the
10.5" bell housing on small blocks uses the 153 tooth flywheel.
Big blocks with a 11" bell housing have a 168 tooth flywheel.
Now, I see you have a turbo hydramatic 400
so it would be best to call DB Electrical and they will tell you what is recommended. I'd imagine on a 350 engine you are still using a 153 tooth flywheel.
Marshal
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
Paul74,
it is my understanding when I was inquiring about starters that the
10.5" bell housing on small blocks uses the 153 tooth flywheel.
Big blocks with a 11" bell housing have a 168 tooth flywheel.
Now, I see you have a turbo hydramatic 400
so it would be best to call DB Electrical and they will tell you what is recommended. I'd imagine on a 350 engine you are still using a 153 tooth flywheel.
Marshal
it is my understanding when I was inquiring about starters that the
10.5" bell housing on small blocks uses the 153 tooth flywheel.
Big blocks with a 11" bell housing have a 168 tooth flywheel.
Now, I see you have a turbo hydramatic 400
so it would be best to call DB Electrical and they will tell you what is recommended. I'd imagine on a 350 engine you are still using a 153 tooth flywheel.
Marshal
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,209
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From: Port St Lucie Florida
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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I replaced the starter in my 68 last June with a mini starter. Smaller, lighter and 3HP torque 168 tooth. Here is a sample posting on ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SBC-BBC-CHEV...ht_3712wt_1156
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SBC-BBC-CHEV...ht_3712wt_1156
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
One of these 'mini' starters, which mount to the engine block, fit both 153 and 168 tooth flywheels/flexplates. Plus they are adjustable to clear exhaust, oil pans, etc. Summit Racing also sells repair parts. Much lighter weight than OEM starters. They are gear reduction instead of direct drive. The one I bought happens to be ProTorque, and it has never failed my mouse motor.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
Well, it might not be all sweetness. If the one I bought is any indication, you cannot just align the correct bolt holes for your flywheel diameter and bolt 'em in. Shims are provided and you must measure the proscribed distance of the ring gear to the engaged starter gear. I used a bent paperclip per the instructions. Which on the face of it doesn't sound like it's all that hard. If you have the driveshaft, shifter, transmission and bellhousing out, it's not.
Choose carefully which model you buy. Some might be like Ron Popeil's "set it and forget it." Some are not. If you think counting up to 153 ring gear teeth is a chore, you won't like trying to measure the engaged starter gear at 3 or 4 locations around its perimeter.
Choose carefully which model you buy. Some might be like Ron Popeil's "set it and forget it." Some are not. If you think counting up to 153 ring gear teeth is a chore, you won't like trying to measure the engaged starter gear at 3 or 4 locations around its perimeter.
Last edited by 69 Chevy; Feb 27, 2012 at 09:57 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
almost 100% certin your flywheel is 168.....the starter is a GM metric gear reduction starter fitting almost everything Chevy V-8......the small diameter flywheel was used in only the high performance engines ie, L-88...not sure about the Z-28`s
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,209
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From: Port St Lucie Florida
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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So if I understand correctly, my 350/300 would be a 168 tooth flywheel and (per Marshal 135s post) the bell housing would be 10.5". I would think the larger flywheel would need the 11" housing.