305 Starter Replacement, Shims; yes or no?

[George Bongert]

Originally Posted by FetchMeAPepsi

Don't worry about it! I'm still "the new kid" when it comes to working on trucks. And I like to put things back like they were. He did say it was wearing right (I mean correctly) before so I erred on the side of caution.

Jim, looks like all the old timers say ditch the shims. I'd like to change my vote to be that, things being what they are.



Also something else: I think I read somewhere that you could use a Chevy starter and just change the head on it or the case on it or something and it'll work instead of getting it rebuilt.

Hello, Fetch!

I wasn't giving you heck about the subject at hand. The fact is that there was technical and true machining experience that went into these engines and starters, unlike the newer style GM starters that bolt to the engine block instead of the bell housing. The moron that dreamed up that type of starter with the difficulty of installing shims for proper starter pinion to ring gear engagement should have had his behind kicked over his shoulders!! I swear that if today's engineer's brains were made of dynamite, they wouldn't have power enough to blow their noses!!

[bigblockv6]

Originally Posted by LifeLongWNYer

Thanks, BigBlock, that got me thinking.... I have a 401, which I intended to drop into the '64, but never quite got around to it. I will have to go look at that starter setup.


Thanks, JBP

Just be aware you will need a battery with more cranking amps with the 401 starter motor