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1977 Small Block Starter install questions

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Old Jun 10, 2012 | 06:27 PM
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Default 1977 Small Block Starter install questions

1977 Small Block.

Need to replace my starter, was hoping for some tips before I get to it -

1. Is there a benefit to installing a gear reduction starter?

2. Any tips on installation - everything says undo, mark wires and then install in reverse order. If anyone has installed a new starter, did you need to take off the exhaust pipe for more room? There seems to be an awful lot of stuff in the way.

Any advice would be helpful.

Best,

-D
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Old Jun 10, 2012 | 07:55 PM
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On my 77 I didnt have to remove the exhaust. First unhook the positive battery cable or there will be lots of arc welding. I was able to remove the 2 bolts and slide the starter back and slid it down and unhooked the wires They are pretty much murphy proof. Its an easy job. I am sure someone else that has a gear reduction starter will chime in.
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Old Jun 10, 2012 | 08:50 PM
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#1 Disconnect the battery!!!

The rest is pretty straight-forward when you get under there.

Label and remove starter solenoid wiring. Remove front support bracket. Remove rear mounting bolts and pull out starter/solenoid.

You want to replace the solenoid also; but make sure it is a match to the one you have (same number of terminals).

Last edited by 7T1vette; Jun 11, 2012 at 09:40 AM.
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Old Jun 10, 2012 | 08:56 PM
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No need for anything but a name brand reman if your engine is stock, or at least stockish. A stock replacement will bolt directly in probably requiring no modifications of any sort, just be certain to note whether there are any shims between the starter and block... simply reinstall as removed.
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Old Jun 10, 2012 | 10:32 PM
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and make sure the car is supported properly
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Old Jun 11, 2012 | 12:34 PM
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Buy a mini starter from Jegs. Not expensive, half the weight and size, therefore easy to install. Mine has been working great for about 5 years so far.
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Old Jun 11, 2012 | 12:42 PM
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I also say go Mini-starter. Its not about the extra power for me but the smaller size, less weight, and also holds up to heat a little better.

You can get them for less than $100 now. Even ones that work with both 153/168 flywheels.
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Old Jun 17, 2012 | 03:53 PM
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Thanks all. Secured the car and got the starter out, suckers are heavy! Have a wiring question - there are two terminals on the starter, one to which the + cable of the battery is attached to and the other is the one labelled "S", which I assume is the signal. The terminal to which the battery was connected to also had two other smaller red wires that connected to it. The other end of these wires connected to two fusable links, anyone know what this is and if it seems right? This is how it was connected to start off with.
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Old Jun 17, 2012 | 05:12 PM
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The "S" is the solonoid wire and one of the wires that run down to the starter on to the starter post is from your alternator for charging of the batttery and I dont remember where the other wire goes to but someone else will know that shortly
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Old Jun 17, 2012 | 11:41 PM
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believe the other one goes to the headlight switch

http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/tune...l/index8.shtml
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Old Nov 4, 2020 | 11:04 AM
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Default Starter removal 1977 corvette

Originally Posted by 7T1vette
#1 Disconnect the battery!!!

The rest is pretty straight-forward when you get under there.

Label and remove starter solenoid wiring. Remove front support bracket. Remove rear mounting bolts and pull out starter/solenoid.

You want to replace the solenoid also; but make sure it is a match to the one you have (same number of terminals).






so I removed the bottom bolts on the starter but I can’t get the top bolt that’s on the bracket it’s keep popping back in . Help
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Old Nov 4, 2020 | 03:58 PM
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Ahh, take the 7/16th's nut off the stud on the starter. The one near the bottom of the bracket/ heat shield. Take the support bracket off completely first. Dont lose the star washer for the ground cable! Once you have removed the the support bracket, then remove the 2 main starter bolts. Reverse for assembly
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