Fords88Bird

I've been having starting issues with a bad solenoid lately so decided to pull the starter.
Tried to twist and juggle it out but no go.
Seems that exhaust has to come down, is that normal.

Ron U.S.M.C.

You do not have to drop the exhaust. Just keep shifting it around at different angles and it will fall out. Eventually.

My advice is to wrap the starter and solenoid with heat shield material.
You can buy the long metal hose clamps made for that.
Just wrap it and put the clamps around it.

I was going through starters pretty fast until I wrapped one.
Same AutoZone starter now for over 5 years.

Something like this = http://www.summitracing.com/parts/su...18-1/overview/

thtanner

iTrader: (1)

You can also remove the solenoid from the starter, makes it way easier. I spent an hour cursing before I did that and tada, slid right out.

Mini starter had no problem fitting in, though. I won't put a regular one back in now. Sits farther aware from the exhaust so doesn't have heat-soak issues. Also check the condition of the 3 wires u tie in the main power @ the starter. Mine were in bad shape so I replaced them (fusible link wire). Really helped my car overall - starting - power quality - etc.

UltRoadWarrior9

I just put a mini-starter on mine. Lovin' it! To get the old starter out, I lowered the y pipe. I got tired of fighting it.

BOTTLEDZ28

iTrader: (9)

I had to lower my Ypipe on my car to get the original starter out. I also had the luxury of of not having the front A arms on the car. It would have been a major PITA if the A arm was installed. My car is a 350 so the starter is slightly larger.

I replaced mine with a corvette mini starter.

Fords88Bird

Thanks guys. Going to work a little more on it and if still no go then unbolt the solenoid, i really don't want to drop the ypipe.
Then probably do some research on a not so expensive mini starter.
Same would fit 305 & 350 correct?

AmorgetRS

iTrader: (6)

The main concern is the flywheel size, which affects the bolt pattern of the starter.

I've had really good luck so far with the starters from dbelectrical, here is the one I personally have in my 1992 Firebird 305 TBI 700R4: http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-580-ro...-sdr0059k.aspx

thtanner

iTrader: (1)

I also had good success with my dbelectrical starter

henryd3

iTrader: (128)

You don't really have to remove anything. I first read somewhere on here and later practiced at the JY an easy solution. First disconnect the wires remembering what went where and then the bolts holding in the starter. Move the loose starter toward the front of the car a little and then tilt and raise the forward end up into the space above it. This will result in the nose of the starter pointing straight down in front of the exhaust Y pipe. Bring it straight down and out . Simply reverse for installation. Easy after you've done it!
Have fun, Henry

UltRoadWarrior9

That's a great price. I paid $80 for an all chrome version that was indexable in 3 positions from a different company on ebay...
It was advertised to fit 153 AND 168 tooth flywheels/flexplates...
I have my parts for my 383 build (I plan to switch this starter and long tube headers for the 383 build) and it has a 168 tooth flexplate.
Are the thirdgen camaro/firebirds flywheels/flexplates 153 tooth?

Fords88Bird

Ok cool the dbelec. one beats the one on the newegg site by about $10.
I'm sure they're both chinese so equal quality and with some good reviews here i ordered one.
I'll tackle getting the old one out later today.

thtanner

iTrader: (1)

I tired for 30 minutes to do that. Not the most comfortable thing to do in the driveway! After popping the solenoid off she fell right out.

I also have dual cats and aftermarket catback, may affect things on my particular setup.

Fords88Bird

Tried twisting it around for another few minutes then said screw that and pulled off the solenoid.
That was easy enough and starter just fell down, thx tanner.

AmorgetRS

iTrader: (6)

Thirdgens came with both. The T5 bellhousing only fits 153 tooth as far as I am aware and I think most of the automatics are 168 tooth.

Fords88Bird

AmorgetRS ordered the same one and came in on thurs. going to put in today, did you have to use shim on it.

AmorgetRS

iTrader: (6)

Mine bolted in without any shims.

thtanner

iTrader: (1)

Same with mine

Fords88Bird

Thx guys. Now if the rain can just stay away for a couple hrs. then im good for install.

Fords88Bird

Wow this went in nice and easy.
Cranked right up as it should.
Thanks again guys, they should have put these mini starters in from the factory.

AmorgetRS

iTrader: (6)

Awesome to hear! Yeah, they are a huge improvement from the factory starters and it's why I recommend them to anyone with a fuel injected stockish engine.

stegal

When I changed my starter the dust cover for the torque converter and ring gear broke off. Should I replace the cover. Don't drive on dirt much. Have not worried about it until I read this post. I put in a new bosch starter and there was no sign of heat damage on the old one. Just wore out. Should I put heat shield on it. Did not have to drop y pipe.