I just completed my 305-355 engine swap. It is an early 70s block and a t5 so I am encountering starter trouble. My 305 starter died on my within the first 10 min of trying to fire the new motor up. So, I went out and bought the mini-starter from my local GM dealership thinking that all would go well if I invested in this high dollar product. Anyway, I installed the starter but couldn't seem to get the right clearance. It would grind everytime. I was pulling off the starter to have a look at it and noticed the starter CRACKED the part holding the solenoid on totally broke off....what would cause this???

 

Did you install any Shims??

 

I had to play around with it laying on my back to try and get the clearance right since my engine and trans are already in the car. I did have shims installed and i also added an internal shim to move the nose piece out and recess the gear. I ended up taking it back to the dealership yesterday, they were all amazed never having seen anything like that before. I am gonna order a powermaster XS race starter and hopefully things will run smoother. A friend of mine just purchased one for his high compression 302 (ahem) and it works great.