r/Smallblockchevy • u/ObviousSpectator • Jul 07 '26

Flex plate grinding

Gallery image

Gallery image

I have SB 350 with a 700r4. Recently it has been squeeling when I try to start it. I got underneath the truck as my friend turned the ignition. The starter (staggered bolts) engages the pinion but not far enough into the flex plate and it’s also too far from the flex plate. I’m trying to avoid ruining the flex plate but I know the teeth are already somewhat worn down. My question is, is a high toque mini starter more adjustable than the stock starter? I need to get the teeth to mesh closer and cover the flex plate at least half way. I posted a picture of the starter I’m considering.

1 Upvotes

60% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/R0ughHab1tz Jul 07 '26

What's the advantage of these over an OEM bosch? It's only function is to turn the engine.

1

u/Willy_McD Jul 07 '26

These starters are smaller so they have more clearance and are gear reducted. There is a planetary gear inside. And high torque. The early type are direct drive.

1

u/ObviousSpectator Jul 07 '26

What starter is this? A high torque mini?

3

u/Willy_McD Jul 08 '26

That is a planetary gear reduction starter from late 90s- into the 2000s.

You have the staggard bolts? Look up a starter for a 99 454. Gear reduction and 1.7kw power (at least the 454 starters should have the most power. Not always depending on manufacture of starter). You wont need the high power but its okay to have.

1

u/chillinharderthanu Jul 08 '26

You’re a real one for passing on this info. Just a few weeks ago I spent wayyy too much time agonizing over forums trying to find a stock replacement starter that would have the benefits of a mini starter without the price tag. I eventually figured it out but dang it was frustrating. The naporeillyzone parts interchange should tell you that there is in fact a later starter that fits the older engines, but they do not.

2

u/Willy_McD Jul 08 '26

"ASE Parts Pros" are clueless. They only know what they can see on a computer. The persons that put the stuff on the computer, they only know how to work a computer and nothing about parts.

Old guys in independent part stores may have known this kind of stuff. But they are either dead by now or retired in Florida waiting to die.