I just finished my swap 82 ta with a 375Hp 350. my problem is I've gone through 2 staggard bolt pattern mini starters. they claim to start 18-1 compression and are used in some race applications. my compression is about 10-1. no matter what shims I put in (i've put in none and i've put in alot, and everything in between) but I have the same problem, it either retracts after only engaging for a second or two, or makes an ungodly grinding noise. I have been able to start it now and then but it seems to get worse and worse as I crank, has anyone had these problems? timing is fine at about 10* BTDC. thanks

 

anyone????

 

do you have a bent starter bolt? did you "retap" one of the holes?

 

Verify # of teeth on your flexplate

 

yes I did verify 168 tooth flywheel and the block was remaned so I did not tap it, it's possible they did.

 

is it a summit type mini starter? Motor and an al. block?