Absolutely, never delete the starter bracket. It's amazing how much a starter can wobble when it's cranking if that bracket is not on there.

That 454 was cracked there? Did you have it welded up, or had it already been repaired previous?

It looks like this one.

The two long bolts holding the starter together are not the same. The top one should have a stud sticking out of it.

One end mounts on the upper bolt on the flat end of the starter (some call that the front, some call that the back) on the stud that sticks out. The other end of the brace/bracket is held on the to the block by a little short bolt, I believe maybe 1/4" by about 1" long, maybe a touch shorter than that.

This is an important piece that people always toss in the garbage. It can make a noisy starter on a GM (flywheel grinding noise while cranking) a lot quieter. http://www.ebay.com/itm/65-91-NOS-Chevy-Big-Block-Starter-Bracket-Camaro-Chevelle-Corvette-Nova-Truck-/360980368798?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item540c1b4d9e&vxp=mtr

Thanks Carl, I don't see the picture you reference but the PN is super helpful. 

Many Thanks, I might have that little sucker in my box of brackets that came with the engine.

Carl Stevenson wrote:

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3965588 is still available from GM for $10.59 if anyone wants to get one from their dealer.

Don't leave home without it!

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 You mean you don't have duplicate parts for most  BBC's in the barn. I'm going to contact Rydell GM

in Grand Forks, thru GMPP and see if I can track one down.

It just amazes me how many times I have seen rebuilt starters installed and the person doing the job was just too lazy to reinstall the support bracket not only on big blocks but small blocks as well . The older starters were very heavy and needed this bracket GM engineers were doing really smart things back in the 60's.

 

Al

Installation diagram....

The proper bolt where it fastens to the block will set you back another $15 or so.   Or you can use a 5/16" NC x 3/4" or so long standard bolt and lockwasher.

 

-- Edited by seventy2plus2 on Friday 11th of July 2014 12:13:18 PM

Johnny Ringo wrote:

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.....those support brackets serve a purpose and really help hold the starter and prevent breaking the bolts or worse breaking the block. Especially on diesels, I've seen a few break off cause who ever was too lazy to put the bracket back on.

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 Thanks for that............ the whole concern centered around discovering the starter  mounting area on the block had weld repairs

The original owner assured me he had no issues with starter.............. just trying to avoid as many problems as possible.

Just ordered one from local dealership $11 and change one week delivery. Comes from State side.

 

Ian