As part of my engine refresh, see that post for greater detail, I ran into a problem with lack of sufficient clearance between the front of the starter and the new Magnaflow 2-1/2 exhaust connected to the ram horn manifolds.There was less than 1/8 clearance which would have resulted in the starter overheating and not restarting until it cooled down, if at all.
Research led me to Total Parts Canada who sell SDR0031-L , a mini high-torque starter, for $102.23.Free shipping unless you live in NS or Nfld.It is designed to bolt to the block using the factory predrilled holes and connects using the factory wiring harness.It will give me the distance I need and weighs about half the OEM starter.
It sounds great but it wont bolt in.The adapter plate between the block and the cast iron glide is molded to fit the tail of the OEM starter. The only solution I can see is to grind the adapter plate to allow the mini starter to fit in place. See photos below. Has anyone else had the problem and if so, what did you do to solve it?
The attached photos show the area I ground away and the tool I used to do it. The starter fits and works great. You have to use the rubber gasket that comes with it to close the opening that is the result of using a starter with a smaller nose. I'm not a big fan of rubber in this area where it is subject to water being splashed around it and possible oil, if a leak develops etc. I will likely make one from metal and drill the adapter plate to bolt it in place. Has anyone else used the rubber gasket with long term success?
