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ZZ4 starter question

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Old 10-20-2011, 01:39 PM
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TWINRAY
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Default ZZ4 starter question

Embarrased to say, I don't understand how this starter replacement situation works..

Can I use my original 1969 350/300 Starter for my ZZ4 motor?

I thought I could use the OEM starter that was on my 1969 SB Corvette on my new ZZ4 motor. My 350/300 with automatic has a 14” flexplate (168 tooth) and the ZZ4 has a 12 ¾” flexplate (153 tooth). I read (in the Summit Catalog for instance) where (some) same part # starters will work with either a 153 or 168 tooth flywheel. Yet OTOH I see advertised, different starters for 153 or 168 teeth units. In the former instance, how can the same starter work with both of these flexplates when one is 1 ¼” difference in diameter?
Old 10-20-2011, 01:48 PM
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69schemers
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Some starters have a dual mounting pattern. You production start does not so it will not work.
Old 10-20-2011, 02:02 PM
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69427
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Several options: Put a different nose on your stock starter (did that years ago), buy an aftermarket starter (eh, no thanks), or buy a used later model gear reduction (lightweight!) Corvette starter (did that).
Old 10-20-2011, 02:28 PM
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MakoShark72
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I also have a ZZ4. I seem to recall that the block will accept either starter (two sets of mounting holes)... Its been awhile so I may be mistaken. I bought a SBC starter from NAPA, worked perfectly.
Old 10-20-2011, 02:55 PM
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Sigforty
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If you change flywheels you would be able to use the old starter. I am not sure if they have a smaller flywheel though.

On a different note, if you had a 4 speed manual it is possible to keep the stock starter. I did that with my 71.
Old 10-20-2011, 05:53 PM
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mikejpss
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Default Bull nose starter .

I will probably only add to the confusion, but here goes:
Bought a ZZ4 that came with a hi torque, small starter. It went onto a flexplate for an automatic trans.
I am now in the process of removing the automatic and converting it to a 4 speed -original BW Super T10 trans, using a flywheel for an 1986-current ONE PIECE REAR MAIN SEAL. I inquired at Pace Performance -supplier of the ZZ4- they sent me a "1967 Corvette style" starter with a bull nose on the shaft end. They stated the small hi torque starter would not work on the new flywheel. Make sense?
I dont know the difference either as both the flex and fly wheel are 164 tooth ,and both are 14 inch wheels..... But thats what I was told by them.

Last edited by mikejpss; 10-20-2011 at 05:56 PM.
Old 10-21-2011, 02:23 PM
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TWINRAY
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My OEM 350/300 starter bolted up to the ZZ4 with no problems but, this does not necessarily mean it will crank it then- correct?

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