I installed an aftermarket starter on my 1970 small block. The original starter mounted direct without the need for, or use of any shims. I had to use 6 thin shims with this new starter to permit disengagement of the bendix (starter) gear from the flywheel.

Is the use of 6 shims too much? I don't want to be knocking teeth off the flywheel due to inadequate engagement. Why so much difference with the new starter? Could it be that the original starter gear and flywheel gear "wore" in-kind, and now this new starter gear is hanging up on the flywheel gear? If so, has anyone ever "cleaned up" the teeth on the flywheel gear while it was still in the car? Looks like a die grinder with a small stone would do the job, but might take some time to get the entire gear. Would need to turn the engine/flywheel by hand but that wouldn't be too hard to do. Or would a better option be to disassemble both the original and new starters, remove both bendix gears and install the original bendix gear in my new starter? This would assure that the mating surfaces of the gear teeth mesh as they should, but would it necessarily mean that shims would not be needed? Is the need for shims the difference in gears, or is it more attributable to the casting differences/tolerances in the starter mounting pad area?

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

 

iv'e had to use 8 on one. i rechecked torque on bolts a few time's
all OK