I tried searching on here for this, but I could not find anything about it, so here we go.

I have an 85 Z28 that the PO dropped the 5.7 from an 89 Camaro in it. When Turning over to crank, there is a squeak/squeal from the engine. I thought it was the serpentine belt or tensioner, so I replaced both.... same thing. I then removed the belt and spun the engine over... still squeaking.... What the heck is going on with my baby here folks.... I am at a total loss for why it is squeaking/squealing when spinning over.... It does not do it once running btw, just when spinning the engine over.... Please help.... Could this be a timing belt/chain issue or a starter problem?

 

If it only happens when you are turning the key, I'd say starter issue.

 

How old & what type starter are you using??

I burned out an older starter on a bigblock hi compression motor
yrs ago. It squeaked & squealed til finally it quit working.

 

I slapped an engine in a car a time or two. and i had kind of the same problem.. when we cranked it over it would squall like you was running a cat thru the radiator fan. We fond out it was the lower radiator hose clamp rubbing on the damper pulley. If noise is coming from front of car check there. if noise is coming from near the passenger side door check the starter.

 

I do not know what type or age the starter is, however it looks like an antique.... what is a good replacement starter that is fairly inexpensive. I looked at the $50 ones at o'reillys, but I was curious if there was a local store bought type that would spin the engine over faster for a quicker start.

 

Looks like I fixed it. Went to O'reillys and picked up a reman. Ultima starter. Install was a PITA, but the noise is gone.... better yet, the new starter took zero shims.....

 

Good to hear..