starter install problem
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 270
Likes: 4
From: columbia mo
starter install problem
Well I finally got the 383 in and when it came time to put the starter on it wouldnt fit. It hit the flexplate before it could line up to the holes to put the bolts on. Is the flywheel bigger on the 383 to where I cant get the stock 350 starter on? I'll probablt have to get a new starter, but which kind do I get? Plese let me know.
thanks,
tyler
thanks,
tyler
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,383
Likes: 4
Were there shims in there before?
Can you pull the stator arm out and brace it somehow and eyeball how it will mesh with the flywheel? It may not help to get a new starter. The one you have may only need to be shimmed a bit.
As to your question about the flywheel being different sizes: I have no idea. I've not heard of it. But that in no way makes it untrue.
Post back here what you find to help expand the institutional knowledge.
Good luck!
Can you pull the stator arm out and brace it somehow and eyeball how it will mesh with the flywheel? It may not help to get a new starter. The one you have may only need to be shimmed a bit.
As to your question about the flywheel being different sizes: I have no idea. I've not heard of it. But that in no way makes it untrue.
Post back here what you find to help expand the institutional knowledge.
Good luck!
Last edited by 94z07fx3; Feb 12, 2007 at 12:13 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 270
Likes: 4
From: columbia mo
There were no shims before and if I used shims there would be about .5 to .75 inches of shims. I have never heard of that many shims, plus the converter and flex plate cover wouldnt go on then. I dont know what is srong with.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
I'm 99.9 percent sure the flywheels are the same. Most times I've had a problem installing a starter it was me 
You may want to rotate the engine a little, then try. I've never heard of anyone having to go to a different starter for a 383 or other small block, but there are smaller starters (diameter) for small blocks chevies.
You may want to rotate the engine a little, then try. I've never heard of anyone having to go to a different starter for a 383 or other small block, but there are smaller starters (diameter) for small blocks chevies.
Last edited by rick lambert; Feb 12, 2007 at 10:32 AM.
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
What you have is a 400 CID 168 tooth flex plate. More than likely, you have an externally (stock 400) balance stroker with a matching unbalanced 400 flex plate. The 400 only came with the 168 tooth flywheel or flex plate. All C4s came with 153 tooth wheels or plates. The 168 tooth flywheel won't fit a C4 clutch housing. The 168 flex plate fits the 700R4 trans, but you will have to use a starter with the staggered mounting holes for the larger plate. Your block should be drilled (3 holes) for either starter. Other than changing the starter, you can just swap the nose piece on the starter. If you go to a 153 tooth flex plate you will have to have it match balanced to your, too large, flex plate, because there were no 400s with a 153 flex plate.
