JLCustomizing

I have an 84 trans am (originally a 305) with a 72 camaro 350 block, the heads, etc. are all the 84 trans am pieces. My starter just recently went out and I was wondering if I should be using the 72 camaro starter or the 84 trans am starter?
Starter says Delco Remy 1998557 78104

dabomb6608

iTrader: (3)

The important thing to know is if the starter mount bolts are offset or in a straight line. If I had to guess I would say staggered being a 72 block. If thats the case then any starter that has the staggered pattern will fit. The 350s came in so many different vehicles back then that it really doesnt matter what car you tell them to look up. As long as its the right mounting pattern then it most likely will fit. It just depends if the guys behind the counter know their stuff too. I can go to my oriellys and tell them I need a inline pattern starter for a sbc and they know what to get.

dlinger

iTrader: (4)

If you reused your flexplate for 84 700R then that should be the starter to stick with. As dabomb6608 stated, small blocks came with two patterns, 168 tooth offset starter pattern and 153 straight pattern. 350's came with internal balanced both patterns and can be interchanged.

JLCustomizing

Got the starter off and it is a straight pattern 1109061 8J 6 1 Delco Remy. I would think that you would want to use the starter that matches the block so I should probably grab the 72 camaro starter thats staggered?

dlinger

iTrader: (4)

Staggered starter will not work on a 153 (smaller, straight pattern) flexplate. It will bolt up, but will not engage flexplate. You could swap the nose cones, but not sure what that would do to warranty on a new starter.

dabomb6608

iTrader: (3)

The staggered one is for the much larger 168 tooth flywheel. You have 153 tooth if i had to guess since it is the inline pattern. They dont make a staggered 153 tooth starter.(went through that mess when I was putting the 400 sbc in) But I do recall them making both 168 and 153 tooth inline pattern starters. In the end I had to drill and tap the inline pattern into my block.

JLCustomizing

How can you tell if the starter is a 153 or 168, mainly just on the bolt pattern im taking it?
This is what advance suggested to me
Part number P3510S

dlinger

iTrader: (4)

SBC 400 came with external balanced 168 tooth flexplate that does not interchange with a 350 internal balance crank. Thus most 400 blocks only came with staggered starter mounting (I have been told some blocks had all three holes, but never seen any). I have only seen aftermarket high torque mini starters in 168 straight mounting, but that may have changed by now.

dlinger

iTrader: (4)

Staggered bolt pattern shown on that starter is for the larger 168 tooth flexplate. Straight bolt pattern that you took out is for the smaller 153 tooth flexplate. Is advance your only option?

JLCustomizing

Ya i live in the middle of nowhere Iowa lol. Heres the best i could find thats actually in stock. Says its for a 3.8 but its straight bolt pattern and looks like what i got for the most part
Part number 3664

dlinger

iTrader: (4)

Sorry, I don't know squat about a 3.8. Maybe you can lay yours side by side with it and see. Any chance they have a high torque aftermarket mini starter. I know they are expensive.

dabomb6608

iTrader: (3)

I heard the same about some coming with 3. I wasnt that lucky . And correct, all the straight 168's were aftermarket mini starters.

JL: The best thing I can think of for you to do is just go to any parts store you have access to and tell them you need a starter for a 5 speed version of your car. ALL of them came with a 153 tooth flywheel since the 168 tooth doesnt fit the bellhousing. So that way you know your getting the correct inline 153 tooth starter.

JLCustomizing

Ya ill just bring it there and match it up, dont think they would be much different. A different website said the part number meshed up with a 3.8, thats how i found that one. Thanks for your help guys!!

JLCustomizing

So I got the new starter installed. My last one was not shimmed or anything. Started right up but i here a little constant click now. What would that be?

dabomb6608

iTrader: (3)

Is it for sure coming from the starter?

dlinger

iTrader: (4)

Did you get it working okay? Did you use actual starter bolts with the knurl? I would take inspection cover off, leave it jacked up and then start it. See if you can tell where the noise is coming from. Maybe turn off lights see if there are any sparks. I had one on my Nova that the flexplate barely touched a bushing on the end of the starter. I loosened the starter and it would move enough to get the proper clearance.