I have an '83 Z28 5 speed manual with a 350 engine swapped in. Running SLP stainless headers and I keep going though starters like crazy. Cranks very slowly when it is hot and after a few times doing that, the starter is usually no good. What starters will fit this application? Parts listings show a very specific part number for my VIN 7 (the original 5.0 H.O.) Right now, I am thinking of just getting something from a junkyard. Just need to know what cars/trucks I could cannibalize.

Thanks

 

any 350

 

Any "specific" starter info to the HO is no longer an issue since you now have a different engine. When you go looking for a starter, you need to make sure it has the right mount. On the nose, mounting holes at an angle are for a 168 tooth flywheel, straight across mount holes are for a 153 tooth. Use yours as a reference.
It sounds like your headers are cooking your starters to death. Get a factory style metal heat shield back on there, if it isn't. Or, use a thermal starter wrap to protect it.

 

Thanks for clarifying that for me. I was actually using the original factory starter that had been rebuilt once. After being cooked by headers, in spite of various heat shields, and then being filled with destroyed clutch material, it finally gave up for good. Since that was a "metric" starter, I assumed it to be more specific. I have the staggered bolt pattern and I know some of the starters are MUCH larger than the old one and probably won't easily fit between the headers.

Thanks for all the help!

 

Is this what you mean by straight vs staggered holes?

O--------O straight

O
--------------O staggered (as viewed from the top of the mounting pad)

If that is true, will an LT1 starter, or any other starter that bolts up work?

Thanks for your help.

Greg

 

yes any starter that bolts up

 

I have the same set up. 350 & SLP 1 3/4 headers and I have used a Mini-Starter from Summtt (short life) and now have one from a 4th gen 350 for the last six years. No problems with heat soak. Forget the heat shield, they will not fit (at least not on my car).

 

Update: Scored a NEW starter off a '96 Roadmaster with LT1 at the junkyard. This starter didn't even have dirt on it and it showed a manufacture date of 06/11. Took it to Autozone to have it tested and the guy told me it cost $159 new. Put it on the Camaro and used a thermal starter wrap on it. Amazing what a good starter will do to a car!

Thanks for all the help!

 

Cool deal....literally!

 

sweet how much did you pay for it