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Hi everyone, I have a 454 with block casting number 3999289. I purchased a new starter and it didn't fit. Turns out the "nose" of new starter is about 0.5 inches wider (see pic). I tried putting in different years and models of Chevys that had the 454 but I keep getting pointed to the same wrong part. Any idea on what I need to buy? I can't seem to find anywhere where this dimension is detailed.
What retailer did you get this one from? (What's wrong with the older one?)
I've had good direct replacements from NAPA auto parts.
I was having a problem where it would sometimes just not work. Totally dead, no clicks. I'd disconnect the battery, reconnect, and then it'd work again. Wiring was good and the frequency of the problem was increasing so I thought I'd try a new one before I got stranded. I ordered the new one from NAPA.
Have you considered just changing the solenoid? I'm certainly not an electrical guru, but that's where all of the electronic triggering takes place. Pretty easy to change.
Do you have the case # off the old one?
Some have this difference for automatic vs clutch because of the bellhousing. I have run into this before. If you can’t get the correct one you should be able to swap the starter nose to clear.
Some have this difference for automatic vs clutch because of the bellhousing. I have run into this before. If you can’t get the correct one you should be able to swap the starter nose to clear.
Good point. Just reuse the cast iron nose cone that does fit.
I'd suggest that you upgrade to a mini starter.
Mine works better, is much lighter, etc.
Return the new one for a refund or exchange for the correct one.
Hi everyone, thanks for the all the input. I wanted to follow-up with the solution I found in case someone finds this thread in the future.
It turns out there are two different starters for the 454: one for an automatic transmission, one for manual. The bubble for the starter in the bell housing is a different size in each. The smaller, cast iron nose is for the manual and the larger, aluminum nose is for the automatic. Online the parts stores don't make this distinction; they're all "guaranteed to fit" and there is no indication which transmission they are for. I went into my local NAPA and on their internal system they do make the distinction. I was able to return the one I had and get the right one. All is good!
I still have the origional starter . The car wouldn't start after getting hot ..... thought battery [14.6V] ,........ aternater [14.6V] . Still would not start untill it cooled off Replaced the starter with a short version 10 years ago ........... Good since ..............still have the origional starter ............ ?
I still have the origional starter . The car wouldn't start after getting hot ..... thought battery [14.6V] ,........ aternater [14.6V] . Still would not start untill it cooled off Replaced the starter with a short version 10 years ago ........... Good since ..............still have the origional starter ............ ?
Just to add a bit of info to the big block starters getting hot from the nearby exhaust manifolds, there is a factory heat shield that is supposed to be in place on the starter.
I had heat soak issues with my 427 and it's long tube headers. The idea of installing a Gear Drive Starter will eliminate the need for any heat shields. The Gear drive I bought is capable for up to 15-1 Compression ratios and it spins the engine very quickly and it draws less current doing so. It is so nice to have a reliable starter system, in the old days I used to never know whether or not it would start due to how much it cooled down.
Now that you have a starter that works be sure to get your original part rebuilt so you can put it back on when needed. I don't give my old parts as Cores.
I though I would upgrade to a mini starter also - only to find that it would not fit so I returned it and did not figure out WHY it didn't fit. The mini starters would also have to be specific to an automatic or a 4-speed, right?? Would you mind telling me which mini you selected - Brand & Model number? Your post doesn't indicate which transmission you have. I've got a 70 LS5 4-speed. Thanks for your help.
I though I would upgrade to a mini starter also - only to find that it would not fit so I returned it and did not figure out WHY it didn't fit. The mini starters would also have to be specific to an automatic or a 4-speed, right?? Would you mind telling me which mini you selected - Brand & Model number? Your post doesn't indicate which transmission you have. I've got a 70 LS5 4-speed. Thanks for your help.
I use the CVR 5323. It fits both manual/auto and big block, small block......no better starter at any cost IMHO and all of my customer get them.....I have one on a customer car that is still going after 15 years!
Read the reviews on Summit. CVR 5323 CVR Protorque Starters | Summit Racing
Jebbysan - thanks for your reply. I DID look up that starter and it does not have the "diagonal mount" that I need. I had purchased a 3hp starter on Amazon #18493 with the "straight-across" aluminum mounting block and I had to drill out one of the holes to "try" to get it to fit - but no luck. Was I missing something? Based on your recommendation and experience with these should I try the 5323 for my 1970 454 4-spd ??
I'm very interested in your thoughts.
Thanks.
I though I would upgrade to a mini starter also - only to find that it would not fit so I returned it and did not figure out WHY it didn't fit. The mini starters would also have to be specific to an automatic or a 4-speed, right?? Would you mind telling me which mini you selected - Brand & Model number? Your post doesn't indicate which transmission you have. I've got a 70 LS5 4-speed. Thanks for your help.
I put a Powermaster 9526 on my 1971 corvette. The only issue I had was the stock bellhousing cover with the raised sections didn't work. I made a new cover our of some sheet metal. The starter otherwise fit and functioned as intended.
Starter for 454
