I am doing an engine swap and instead of using the stock headers, I bought hedman headers. They are shorties. I'm not really looking for performance I just didn't want to deal with all the stock stuff. I'm just getting this car running to sell it but I'm having problems. The factory starter will not go back in. What's the deal with that, has anyone else run into this problem? It is an 87 Camaro with a 305, I'm replacing it with a 305 out of an 86 Monte Carlo, basically all I have left to do is get this starter installed. If anyone can help that will be great.

 

You have to remove the header to get the stock starter in.

Your only other choice is to go to a mini starter.

 

Get the LT1 mini starter!! It is half the size and weight, and it crank's beautifly. Ohh, and of course it bolt's right in.

 

how much are we talking for a mini starter? I really don't want to have to take that friggin header off again. They were a pain to install with the engine out of the car.

 

I have hedmann headers and a 305. I had your trouble! I removed all the header bolts, pulled the header up a bit and to the side, slotted the starter home and rebolted the headers in. No need to actually remove the headers completely.

Good luck.
Andy.

 

BMF a ls1 isn't a 350 unless you bored it
as far as the starter problem what size are the primary tubes on the header? i have the same headers in 1 3/4ths and my full size starter wouldnt fit, had to use a ministarter, it you have something smaller you might be able to sneak it in there by loosening the header, just make sure you put a heat shield on it or you might heatsoak it and that would be kinda embarassing tryin to sell it and it wont start back up hehe

 

Well I'll try getting the headers loose and getting it in that way before I go dump money into a new one. I also fixed my sig for you. Also for a heat shield would heat tape work or do I acutally need to make a heat shield? Oh and before I forget I want to thank everyone for their help.

 

Are you serious? If you think headers were hard to install with the engine out of the car you should try installing them with the engine IN the car.

 

Get the LT1 starter, and you won't have to worry about the heat sheild either. I am in Canada and I paid $170. Just get any LT1 sarter from a part's store. But shop around first!!! My prices ranged from $170 ALL THE WAY TO $450!! Shove your in the box and bring it back for the core charge the next day. Does not fit to well, but they will take it anyway. Just me when I tell you it is a much better starter as well!!

 

ok well now I'm ticked, I bought a starter for a 95 Z, got it for only $122(that's the only good part about it). It is much smaller thank goodness but the friggin thing doesn't fit. This car has an automatic tranny if that matters. The starter gear sits to low on the flexplate which doesn't allow the bolt holes to line up. All I need is for this starter to go on so I can fire this thing up and see how it runs. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!

 

ttt

 

That's really odd!! I know I had to use some washer's on the stock bolts to make it fit, but other than that I was fine. Start a new post and I am sure you will get a simple answer. Alot of people in here use that starter.

 

keep in mind there are 2 starters for sbcs depending on the tooth count on the flexplate/flywheel one mounts about and inch more inboard and one mounts about an inch more outboard... i was able to pick my mini starter up from a local speed shop, it was a rebuild unit but i only paid $55 for it and havnt had a problem with it since