ZZ4 starter question
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,683
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From: Working on the car NY
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?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,905
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From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
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).
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,993
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From: Gig Harbor WA
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.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
Cruise-In IX Veteran
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.
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.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Where it's always hot as Hell-South Louisiana.
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
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.
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; Oct 20, 2011 at 05:56 PM.
