billla

I'm swapping my starter today and so far the job has been pretty straightforward. I'm trying to fit the new Bosch starter, and there's a boss on the block that's really in the way - it looks to me like that was the reason for the old design...to slip in on top of that boss.

Can someone who has ACTUALLY DONE this replacement provide some guidance here? I'm heading back out to try a few more things, but it's not obvious to me how it's going to fit.

THANKS!

[EDIT]: The solution is to loosen the dust shield on the trans housing - it's beefier than it looks, but once it's out of the way the starter slips right in. One frustration - the new, longer bolt is a different size...you'd think they could have made it 13mm like the original one...

bjones7131

Did u have to drop exhaust and if so one side or both. Thanks

billla

The exhaust is a single unit - so the center unit from the manifolds to the mufflers needs to come out. No big deal - key is having something to support the exhaust; I used a transmission jack.

baxsom

Is that the new starter that uses the same size bolts?

bjones7131

I read a thread some time back that a forum member said he changed his starter without dropping the exhaust. He said it was tight and he had to wiggle it around until it dropped out. Do U think it is do-able without dropping exhaust? Thanks

billla

Yes; the mounting boss is much stronger on the block side. That bigger boss was what gave me some fits until I loosened the dust shield.

I personally don't see how...but there are a lot of smart wrenches out there. I'd like to see some pics on how it was done.

It wasn't that big of a deal to drop the exhaust. The biggest need was just for a means to support, lower and raise the exhaust - I used a transmission jack. I hit all the bolts with PB, waited an hour, then pulled them all off with no issues. The oxy sensors were also a bit of a PITA, but no big deal. I was able to reuse the gaskets. Overall nothing difficult, just solid mechanics work.

billla

A couple of folks asked about the use of a trans jack to support the exhaust - here's a picture. I should have taken more and posted a FAQ

TUF-NUF

were you able to reuse the dust cover? did you have to cut it?? I am in the middle of the same upgrade. with headers. tough working in that space. dropped the right header, but it won't go all the way down and can't lift it up and out either, so wrestling around it...did you have to grind anything?? thanks... Dave

billla

I was able to just loosen (not remove) the dust cover enough to slide it back and allow the nose of the starter to go into the bellhousing. No cutting, no grinding - just a little maneuvering.

LoneStarFRC

Just got mine installed last week. Working fine.

TUF-NUF

thanks for the info.... tomorrow I'll finish the install...

y0ung TcHalla

I am doing this now and having that same issue how did you loosen the dust cover ?