Expert: Mike Evans - 6/14/2009

Question
During trans replacement, the 14" flex plate was replaced with a 13". 350 trans & 350 eng. Starter can't engage the flex plate.... Q: Is there an offset starter that will save us from re-pulling the tranny?

Answer
    Yes, it's a common problem.  There are two flywheel sizes, 168 teeth and 153 teeth.  The starter for the larger flywheel has diagonally offset mounting bolts, the starter for the smaller flywheel has mounting bolts directly opposite each other, in a line parallel to the back of the block.  Most small block Chevys are drilled for both types, although you might have to clean the crud out of the other mounting hole in order to use it.  Any parts store should be able to supply one of these starters, although they are much less common than the ones for the larger flywheel.  One really has to wonder, though, why anyone would use the smaller flywheel, especially on a truck.