I'm wondering if this starter will fit on my car ('83 Z28 w/ a 383 stroker): http://www.summitracing.com/parts/su...t/model/camaro

I'm kind of new to this kind of stuff.. but a buddy of mine says for the most part chevy starters are universal.

 

Summits website is saying yes. That one looks to be drilled for either a 168 or a 153.

At any rate i would recommend if you can spring for a better starter i would. I had a similar starter and it really did not enjoy my 10.5:1 compression 355. I ended up going with a powermaster starter and it turns my motor over like its a 4 cylinder.

This is the one i got
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pwm-9600

 

So basically I could use any gen 1 350 starter right? If I'm understanding this correctly a 383 is a stroked out 350 right?

 

It will fit your car and motor IF AND ONLY IF your block has both bolt patterns drilled in it.

If your block DOESN'T have both patterns drilled, then it will only fit the one it has.

If your block is older than about 78 or so (when the 153-tooth thing appeared) then it didn't COME WITH the 153-tooth pattern drilled. Of course, who's to say, it hasn't had it drilled since then; happens from time to time. (speaking strictly for myself)

If it DOESN'T have the 153-tooth pattern drilled in it, and that's what you need, then there is NO STARTER IN ALL OF CREATION that will work. Reason being, the inner bolt (closer to the crank) for the 168-tooth pattern, would go RIGHT DIRECTLY THROUGH THE MIDDLE of the starter drive, if you tried to use that bolt hole on a 153-tooth starter. It's not a matter of the STARTER, it's a matter of THE BOLT HOLE, and where it is in the block.

 

and how can I determine which pattern it has?
(like I said I'm new to this)

 

Wrong. My '72 block has both.

 

There will be 3 bolt holes if it's dual-patterned. The one that's always there (both bolt patterns use it) is pretty obvious- it's the bolt hole on the end of the mounting flange "arm".

The inside bolt holes are in 2 different positions, if it's drilled for both bolt patterns:

1. 153 tooth bolt pattern the inside hole will be directly in-line with the outside hole.

2. 168 tooth bolt pattern will have the inside hole about 3" further forward than the outside bolt hole.

If it's got both holes, it's dual-patterned. If only one of them exists, that's the only one it will take.

Please note that SOME aftermarket starters are available that will bolt to the 153-tooth bolt pattern but fit either a 153 or 168 (the starter itself is dual-patterned). But with factory starters it's always the bolt hole locations in the block that determine.

 

Wrong.

The truth.

Sometimes ya just get lucky.



Here for example is a 73 block that I drilled the hole in question.

 

I ordered a powermaster with the staggered pattern and it didn't fit above the y pipe. But luckily it looks like I have both patterns. Here's a pic:



I sent back the powermaster to summit and requested an exchange for a summit mini hi torque. With those holes an inline starter should fit, right?

And another question, should my flywheel be exposed like that? It's like that on both sides :O

 

Yes your block has both bolt patterns; either style of starter will bolt up to it.

Yes your flywheel should be exposed like that, until you put the cover back on.

 

Did third gens come with covers from the factory? I dont have one on mine.

 

Yes on autos.
Dont know about 5speed.

 

Mine is a 5 speed and hasn't had the cover since I've owned it that's why I was curious

 

5speeds come with covers too.

 

There is a starter that will work with a 153 tooth flywheel and only staggered bolt pattern. I had to buy one because the previous owner drilled the hole for the starter off center.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/csi-100sbp

It has worked flawlessly this summer for me. A little costly though.