Are you supposed to use "special" bolts for the starter? I thought I was supposed to use the ones that have the knurled section that starts just before the threads....but they won't screw all the way into my 74 454 block. What I mean is the tapped hole in the block won't accept the knurl. That leaves about 1/4 of bolt from completely tightening down to the mini starter body. I could use washers to shim, or just get a shorter bolt? I know the knurl is there for a reason - but is it necessary?

The stock bolts are too long for the mini starter. Either add washers or use shorter bolts. The knurling isn't that important since you're using a different starter.
Mike

Thanks - So the knurling is for the starter...I'm guessing then that it is to help hold the starter securely?

They help with alignment of the stock starter.
Mike

The shank diameter is different--you'll need to wrap shim stock around the bolt to get a snug fit to the starter or it will be sloppy and get cocked. I ran mine with large nuts for spacers and shim wraps for months with no problems before I installed the correct bolts, GM# 12338064. Available at GM dealers.

John

John- the bolts you listed were for the mini starters or the the stcok OEM starter?

These are for the starter on an OEM '95+/- GM 1/2 ton truck with "5.7 liter" (350") engine, which is what I am using. It's a gear reduction starter (we commonly call it a "mini-starter") with metric size bolt holes. The bolts are metric shank with American threads, and about 1/4" shorter than those for the old Fred Flintstone starters.

sounds right...cause these are 1/4 too long. thanks again!

JPhil was correct. GM sells the correct length mini-starter bolts (GM# 12338064) for about $5.00 ea.