Okay here is what I know, and what I am trying to do.

I know that there are 2 bolt patterns when it comes to SBC starters, straight ,and staggered bolt holes. I know that the straight bolt patterned starter goes with a flywheel that has a different number of teeth than the one with staggered bolt holes. You can't interchange the starter with the wrong flywheel, or they will bind.

Here is what I need to know:

If I have a SBC with a flywheel that takes the straight bolt pattern starter, and needed to use a starter that has the staggered bolt pattern, would it be possible to swap out the gear from the straight starter and use it on the staggered starter to work that way?

Thanks!

 

I found this starter which seems like it would work with what I am trying to do, but WOW that price is steep!

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CSI-100PSBP/

 

Anyone ever done this?

 

No
Don't understand your " needed to use a starter that has the staggered bolt pattern,"
Starter has to match flex plate being used ; period
How the starter bolts to block sets it's relationship with flywheel

Try this one for 153 tooth flex plate ( straight starter pattern)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-C...Q5fAccessories

 

There is a bolt broken off in that spot, thats why I was trying to use a staggered starter. The gears will not inter-change?

 

ok that's wat i wana kno also if u can change the gears also...changethe gears off a starter that fits a 163 fly wheel 2 a starter that fits a 153 teeth fly wheel...

does anyone kno whats the correct number of teeth on a 83Z28 camaro 5.0 fly wheel?...

 

I read that they both have 9 teeth, just a different diameter.

I have a straight starter laying around, but no staggered starter, otherwise I would just try it myself.

So they will not interchange???

 

o ok...i had to put a staggered one on mine...bcuz the straight one wont fit with my t5...:/..

 

Is nothing to do with the gear size ; is to do with the position of the gear in relation to flex plate

Bolt pattern is different to move starter ( and gear ) further away from the block to fit the larger 168 tooth (14"dia ) flex plate
153 is only 12 3/4" dia

IIRC the drive gear ( bendix ) is the same unit on both styles; in fact the two types of starter are identical EXCEPT for the offset from having a different bolt pattern on the starter nose

 

Get the right extractor ,
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/WMR-W2966/

take broken bolt out; problem solved

 

ok...so i can put a straight starter on my t5 instead of the stagger one?...

 

What size flywheel do you have?
Starter MUST match flywheel
Most blocks are drilled to take both style starters but only one will be right for your flywheel

 

ok my block is drilled 2 fit both...my fly wheel has 153 teeth...or do i need 2 get the one that has 168 teeth?...

 

So you need a starter to suit that with straight bolt pattern

If you change to 168 FW, you need a starter with staggered bolt pattern

 

So it cannot work, allright, thanks!

 

i have 153 teeth FW and i cant fit a straight bolt pattern in it so i have to put a staggered bolt pattern on...

 

well hope you dont mind me bumping in to your thread . now my problem is i got headers on my camaro so my stock starter dont fit any more so i got a starter out of a 96 truck 5.7 and and 2 days later the housing broke does any one have any idea y it happen?

 

Every once in awhile my starter spins freely and doensn't catch on the flywheel. It's starting to happen more and more and getting annoying, any thoughts?

 

So it ain't going to start then

Why not?

 

Most likely the spring in the Bendix drive ( the part with the gear that engages flywheel ) is weak from age
# 2 in pic
The solenoid pushes the gear out fine but if the spring is weak then gear doesn't always come into contact with teeth on FW
Also check teeth are not worn on FW ;common to wear in one spot where starter always engages