Tech / General Engine Is your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

Starter Puzzle

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 20, 2017 | 04:56 PM
  #1  
Chuck's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
Starter Puzzle

I bought an LT1 Starter, 1996 Camaro, for
my 88 IROC to try to solve heating problems.
IROC has a 350, but it was originally
from a truck.
Turns out starter is on the other side.
It is an "inverse" of the stock Camaro 350 starter and
of the LT1 starter.

Did GM make such an animal?
Or... aftermarket MINI?
Thanks!
Chuck
Reply
Old May 21, 2017 | 05:16 PM
  #2  
sofakingdom's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
Community Builder
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,023
Likes: 2,496
Car: Yes
Engine: Usually
Transmission: Sometimes
Axle/Gears: Behind me somewhere
Re: Starter Puzzle

No GM did not make such a thing.

All Chevy 350s - car, truck, whatever - have the starter on the pass side of the block. The oil filter is on the driver's side.

More likely it's the wrong starter. Mis-labelled or something.

Why do you think it goes on the driver's side?
Reply
Old May 21, 2017 | 06:49 PM
  #3  
NoEmissions84TA's Avatar
Supreme Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 4,185
Likes: 576
From: Meriden, CT 06451
Car: 84 TA orig. 305 LG4 "H" E4ME
Engine: 334 SBC - stroked 305 M4ME Q-Jet
Transmission: upgraded 700R4 3200 stall
Axle/Gears: 10bolt 4.10 Posi w Lakewood TA Bars
Re: Starter Puzzle

Pictures of the engine, please.
Reply
Old May 22, 2017 | 02:35 PM
  #4  
Chuck's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
Re: Starter Puzzle

Thanks, guys.
I'll send pictures.
Not sure why I said drivers side; as I know better!
(Have changed the starter before myself)
C
Reply
Old May 22, 2017 | 07:55 PM
  #5  
Chuck's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
Re: Starter Puzzle

Please take a look at this picture - attached.
Left: Starter removed from IROC
Right: LT-1 starter I just purchased.

???
Is there a mini starter to match the Starter removed?
Attached Thumbnails Starter Puzzle-starter.jpg  
Reply
Old May 22, 2017 | 09:01 PM
  #6  
NoEmissions84TA's Avatar
Supreme Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 4,185
Likes: 576
From: Meriden, CT 06451
Car: 84 TA orig. 305 LG4 "H" E4ME
Engine: 334 SBC - stroked 305 M4ME Q-Jet
Transmission: upgraded 700R4 3200 stall
Axle/Gears: 10bolt 4.10 Posi w Lakewood TA Bars
Re: Starter Puzzle

The starter on the right definitely will not work.
Maybe the wrong starter got put in the right box???
There are smaller starters available, I just can't come up with the correct numbers right now.
Reply
Old May 23, 2017 | 09:51 PM
  #7  
paulo57509's Avatar
Supreme Member
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,178
Likes: 48
From: Tracy, CA
Car: '87 IROC
Engine: LB9
Transmission: TH700R4
Re: Starter Puzzle

Originally Posted by Chuck
Please take a look at this picture - attached.
Left: Starter removed from IROC
Right: LT-1 starter I just purchased.

???
Is there a mini starter to match the Starter removed?
The starter you removed (the one on the left) looks like it came out of a 60-degree V6 (2.8/3.1).

Weird.

Last edited by paulo57509; May 23, 2017 at 09:55 PM.
Reply
Old May 24, 2017 | 05:08 PM
  #8  
sofakingdom's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
Community Builder
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,023
Likes: 2,496
Car: Yes
Engine: Usually
Transmission: Sometimes
Axle/Gears: Behind me somewhere
Re: Starter Puzzle

Yup, the one on the left didn't come off of a small block Chevy. It would go RIGHT DIRECTLY THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF the oil filter.

Post a photo of the motor in question.
Reply
Old May 25, 2017 | 08:22 AM
  #9  
RBob's Avatar
Moderator
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 18,432
Likes: 234
From: Chasing Electrons
Car: check
Engine: check
Transmission: check
Re: Starter Puzzle

60* V6 starter goes on passenger side, same as a SBC.

Maybe he has an Olds 307 Y motor in there?

Really need a picture of the engine...

RBob.
Reply
Old May 26, 2017 | 02:48 PM
  #10  
paulo57509's Avatar
Supreme Member
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,178
Likes: 48
From: Tracy, CA
Car: '87 IROC
Engine: LB9
Transmission: TH700R4
Re: Starter Puzzle

Originally Posted by RBob
60* V6 starter goes on passenger side, same as a SBC.

Maybe he has an Olds 307 Y motor in there?

Really need a picture of the engine...

RBob.
Some 60-dgreee V6's had the starter on the driver side. I didn't make the distinction between FWD and RWD engines. My comment was just an obervation regarding the appearance of the removed starter.
Reply
Old May 26, 2017 | 06:24 PM
  #11  
RBob's Avatar
Moderator
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 18,432
Likes: 234
From: Chasing Electrons
Car: check
Engine: check
Transmission: check
Re: Starter Puzzle

Originally Posted by paulo57509
Some 60-dgreee V6's had the starter on the driver side. I didn't make the distinction between FWD and RWD engines. My comment was just an obervation regarding the appearance of the removed starter.
This is a 3rd gen f-body site. If FWD is being referred to that has to be stated. The OP has a 3rd gen f-body.

3rd gen 60* V6 engines have the starter on the passenger side of the engine. Same as a SBC, but those Olds 307 Y engines don't....

RBob.
Reply
Old May 27, 2017 | 12:07 PM
  #12  
Chuck's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
Re: Starter Puzzle

Here are 3 pics of the engine.
350, but block is not original.
I was told it was a truck block.
Attached Thumbnails Starter Puzzle-415.jpg   Starter Puzzle-417.jpg   Starter Puzzle-418.jpg  
Reply
Old May 27, 2017 | 02:20 PM
  #13  
RBob's Avatar
Moderator
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 18,432
Likes: 234
From: Chasing Electrons
Car: check
Engine: check
Transmission: check
Re: Starter Puzzle

Yep, that is a SBC. Can even see the starter on the passenger side. The left side starter shown in post #5 did not come off that engine.

RBob.
Reply
Old May 28, 2017 | 04:58 PM
  #14  
Chuck's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
Re: Starter Puzzle

Like I said... It's a puzzle.
The left starter DID come out of this engine.
I removed it myself.

The starter for the '96 LT-1 is the pic on the right.

Any other notions out there?
Reply
Old May 28, 2017 | 07:57 PM
  #15  
jmd's Avatar
jmd
Supreme Member
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,530
Likes: 94
From: Aridzona
Car: `86 SS / `87 SS
Engine: L69 w/ TPI on top / 305 4bbl
Transmission: `95 T56 \ `88 200-4R
Re: Starter Puzzle

I am subscribing to see the whiz bang adapter that allows a 153 tooth starter to bolt up to a block only drilled for the 168.

'Cause that's the only way I can see the starter on the left fitting and meshing with the flywheel ring gear, since the pinion cone housing would block the teeth from meshing otherwise.

Seems like pics of the underside are in order.
Reply
Old May 28, 2017 | 09:18 PM
  #16  
NoEmissions84TA's Avatar
Supreme Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 4,185
Likes: 576
From: Meriden, CT 06451
Car: 84 TA orig. 305 LG4 "H" E4ME
Engine: 334 SBC - stroked 305 M4ME Q-Jet
Transmission: upgraded 700R4 3200 stall
Axle/Gears: 10bolt 4.10 Posi w Lakewood TA Bars
Re: Starter Puzzle

Originally Posted by jmd
I am subscribing to see the whiz bang adapter that allows a 153 tooth starter to bolt up to a block only drilled for the 168.

'Cause that's the only way I can see the starter on the left fitting and meshing with the flywheel ring gear, since the pinion cone housing would block the teeth from meshing otherwise.

Seems like pics of the underside are in order.
A stack of flat washers might do the trick using longer hardware store grade bolts.
Reply
Old May 28, 2017 | 09:51 PM
  #17  
redneckjoe's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,080
Likes: 34
From: Spring Hill, Fl.
Car: 87 iroc-z
Engine: 454
Transmission: th350
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Starter Puzzle

i ran across this article;
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...tarter.800165/

could it be related?
i've never seen a starter on the other side personally.
Reply
Old May 29, 2017 | 01:56 PM
  #18  
naf's Avatar
naf
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 73
From: Lexington, SC
Car: 1987 SC/1985 TA
Engine: 350/vortec/fitech
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt
Re: Starter Puzzle

yep. waiting for additional pics of the underside where the 'starter' 'mounted'.
Reply
Old May 29, 2017 | 07:08 PM
  #19  
sofakingdom's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
Community Builder
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,023
Likes: 2,496
Car: Yes
Engine: Usually
Transmission: Sometimes
Axle/Gears: Behind me somewhere
Re: Starter Puzzle

Any other notions out there?
Yes.

They are, that WE NEED A PHOTO OF THAT MOTOR.
Reply
Old May 29, 2017 | 11:14 PM
  #20  
redneckjoe's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,080
Likes: 34
From: Spring Hill, Fl.
Car: 87 iroc-z
Engine: 454
Transmission: th350
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Starter Puzzle

i agree pics of the motor are needed, maybe even the casting number?

being an "old truck motor" got me thinking of the 350 diesel that was offered in some chevy trucks. i kinda remember old circle track guys used to convert them for racing for some unknown reason to me.

but heres a pic of the starter from autozone;
http://www.autozone.com/batteries-st...120264_23521_0

http://www.autozone.com/batteries-st...87697_704310_0

info on the motor;
http://www.dieselhub.com/idi/5.7-olds-diesel.html
Reply
Old May 31, 2017 | 09:55 AM
  #21  
Chuck's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
Re: Starter Puzzle

Gulp... here goes guys ... I GOOFED UP!
I created the whole puzzle by comparing the LT-1 starter
I purchased with the starter I thought I had removed
from the IROC last year. I had it boxed and marked that way.

BUT, with all the questioning from you folks, I boosted up the IROC to take
a look at the current starter. You guys were correct all along!
It matches the stock 350 starter, NOT the one I had pictured.

Sorry from the trouble. My mistake completely.
God bless you for helping!
Chuck
Reply
Old May 31, 2017 | 10:51 AM
  #22  
rgauder's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 654
Likes: 10
From: Windsor, Ontario
Car: 1987 Trans Am
Re: Starter Puzzle

That's cool Chuck, glad you figured it out. You also manned up and admitted you made a mistake. That'll make all the keyboard warriors happy, or should.
Reply
Old May 31, 2017 | 02:48 PM
  #23  
redneckjoe's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,080
Likes: 34
From: Spring Hill, Fl.
Car: 87 iroc-z
Engine: 454
Transmission: th350
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Starter Puzzle

Stuff happens.
Glad you got it figured out, and let us know what happened.
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2017 | 10:25 PM
  #24  
jharrison5's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 54
From: Lincoln, NE.
Car: '87 IROC
Engine: 5.7 Vortec w/ factory TPI
Transmission: WC T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.45 Posi
Re: Starter Puzzle

On a side note I can tell you a starter for a 5.7 out of a '98 tahoe will not fit on an '87 IROC with said motor when mated up to a WC T5. Not even close lol!
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2017 | 08:41 PM
  #25  
JA411's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 117
Likes: 2
Re: Starter Puzzle

FYI, some after market racing blocks have starter mounts on either side. It's set up to run dry sump or remote oil filter housing. Depending on modifications. Dart Iron Eagle I have one.
Joe
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:42 PM.