I put together my 406 SBC for my T/A using the original 1983 305 m/t, flywheel and an external balance weight for the 1970 400 crank.
I have this starter I used on the 406 with the original '70 a/t flexplate... http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-820323/
It is supposed to be universal to both flywheels but doesn't seem to want to bolt on or clear the bellhousing on my T/A.
I've got to be missing something simple, or does it not interchange btw the 305 and 400. This starter was on the 406 with a 350THM in my 79 Chevy truck and worked great. WTH?

Sorry to be a goofball.

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...b-pre-70s.html

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...5-starter.html

 

I just noticed something, no offence intended to the OP but it stated "ASE Master Tech" in the signature.
Just goes to show, contrary to the unknowing publics belief, the ASE master tech is NOT the perfect mechanic.

 

Har har har...yeah, I have seen a lot of "mechanics" pass those tests and still not know how to fix a car. ASE is a nice badge to have and most shops like you to have the tests up to date, but it's just paper. The proof is in your comeback ratio and the hours you flag.

I spent most of my time in Japanese dealers...Honda, Subaru and Toyota. Nothing beats factory training and in the shop experience.
In the 32 years I've been a tech I've forgot a few things though.

I looked at my blocks lastnight. The 83 305 has the same drilling as the 70 400. Three holes for universal mounting of the starter. So I messed around with the stock and the aftermarket starters I have, and it seems as though either will work. Both are straight pattern, both went on. I don't have the car together enough to give it a spin yet, so I don't know if they actually mesh correctly. So at the moment, I'm in limbo.

 

Straight pattern is for 153 tooth FW ; staggered is for the 168.
The aftermarket starters use the 2nd set of holes in the straight pattern to get the starter offset needed for the larger (168 tooth ) FW

 

What I was getting from the original post was the bellhouse was getting in the way of the starter. I could not understand that as any bellhouse that I have see was always flat and the block on the starter should not go past the engine block. But I cannot say I have seen every bellhouse out there.

Seeing it in person can be priceless but sometimes that thousand words you get from a picture is enough.