Ok, so I have a 400 I swapped in instead of my stock 305TPI. And I'm thinking about getting headman 68460 headers. They SAY they fit with no modifications if you are stock.

My only problem with that is that my starter is VERY different than the one for the 305. I think it's bigger, and it fits the flex-plate differently. I WANTED to use the stock one when I made the swap, but the flex plate on the 400 is bigger, so the 305 one didn't fit.

SOOOOOO, will these still fit? and if not, WHAT starter do I need? I mean, all of the "mini" starters seem to be for ALL SBC, and yet mine is different... or is that what shims are for or something?

I've posted this in the "Tech/General Engine" board as well... Thanks Guys

 

I have done the 400 thing and it can be a pain. With the staggered bolt pattern it limits you on starter choices. I have 2210s and they hit aftermarket starters but clear a stock starter which isn't strong enough. I cannot keep from bending starter bolts and then it starts grinding. You will have to have a starter with a short starter bolt on the block side and it will work but it will hit 2210s. You can get a variety of flywheels depending on your set-up (ext balanced or int balanced) like me. just match it up with your crank and starter and you should be fine. There are a few articles on all the different flywheel combinations and there are a lot. Don't go cheap on the flywheel or it will eat the teeth off of it. I bought a $88.00 flywheel (auto) and still lost it. The stock starters back then had aluminum noses but a few had steel noses. Do your self a favor and get a steel nose and very good bolts if your going to run a stock starter and you will need to use the support bracket on the back of the starter. That helps keep it from bending. Watch for the straight across bolt pattern and the staggered bolt pattern as some aftermarket starters have provisions for both. Also tooth count is very important like 168 etc.

 

WOW, dude...

What are you doing to your 400! My starter will spin my engine so fast I have 30PSI of oil preassure...

It runs PERFECTLY, and I can't imagine bending the bolts... just wow...

Sympathy man, sounds like you had a hard time.

What I don't understand, is I think I have inline starter bolts, I don't remember them being staggered... I'm going to take a look tomorrow hopefully and confirm that...

Thanks for the help!

 

11.5 to 1 with a 605 lift solid roller cam 6 inch h beam eagle rod motor. Ported Track 1s and ported stealth ram. 4340 int balanced crank. It has also broken two rocker studs but the girdle has stopped that. I break 700r4s once a month so I bought a 4L80E I am going to put in. I haven't messed up the 9 inch rear though; 375 locker. 601 ft lbs on the fast chip dyno in Tulsa.

 

Well, that explains it...