Dh1969

I have a 1969 big block 4 speed with a cracked starter bolt hole. Has anyone used an engine starter plate allowing for a chevy 55-56 style starter mount cone? Real Deal Steel and Danchuk sell Chevy engine starter plates.

Also, has anyone used Lock N Stitch's GM starter motor BH (FFT4SP007K) product to solve the cracked bolt hole?

Thanks in advance.

71VetteLover

The crack repair process is known as a "Salsbury Cold Weld" and it was used for many years before Heli-Arc, TIG welding, and metal spraying came along. Cast iron is easily welded now days by pre-heating it and spraying molten iron powder into the V'eed out crack. How about putting an ordinary Heli-Coil into it and calling it a day?

dmaxx3500

you mighty have better luck using a ''time-sert'',or take the eng out and dissassmble it and have it spray welded

71VetteLover

My local automotive machine shop has welded many cracked Chevy blocks. They just heat the iron to near-melting then spray iron powder into the V'eed crack then re-drill and re-tap the hole. My outer starter bolt hole stripped several years ago and I just installed a Heli-Coil.

Dino_'72

My son's friend used the Danchuk adaptor plate as a fix for a cracked starter bolt hole on an '86 K5 4x4 with 700R tranny. Been one year - working good. Only issue is the torque converter bottom cover needs to be modded for reinstallation.

Not sure, but I don't think this adapter plate will work for manual transmissions. I would think the clutch fork geometry would be out of alignment. You could modify and go to a hydraulic fork set up. Would need some research.

Another option is perhaps you could use a cast iron bellhousing that allows the starter to mount to the bellhousing. Check out link below, might be an option for you. Good luck.

http://www.4speedconversions.com/365.html