I just installed a t-56 transmission out of a 1996 Z-28 into my 1988 Firebird and I want to know what starter will work with this combination? My original 305 T-5 starter does bolt up but it does not have enough power to spin over my 355 with 10.6 to 1 compression when it is warm. I tried to install my 1987 350 automatic starter but the head is too large and it will not fit. I called a parts store to order a 1996 Z-28 starter but at $180.00 I decided to look for a cheaper alternative. What starter will fit this combination besides the expensive chevy gear reduction starter. Does anyone know if a 1990 manual transmission 350 truck starter will fit? Maybe my 350 automatic starter would not fit because it was designed for the automatic, is there a difference between manual starters and automatic starters?

Thanks

 

i just used an LT1 mini-starter. works great.

 

if you take off the sheetmetal sheild, it will fit.

this leaves you two options.... trim the shield to fit around the larger starter... or run without it.


while i would never reccomend running without it, i will admit, i am running without it right now.. i have a 400SBC im building, and it has the ministarter on it. when i threw the T56 behind the 305, i just left the stock starter on... never even unbolted it.

if you plan to keep it this way, id trim the shield to fit..

 

The shield isnt the problem, the nose wont fit inside the T56 bellhousing cutout for the starter nose itself, i'd shell out the $ and get a good ministarter from jegs, they usually dont have nose covers and will work perfectly.

 

mine fits.

i cant talk for anyone elses... its a fullsize GM starter, the factory auto trans one. (i donno if theres a diff between factory auto and manual ones in 91...)

 

i dont think there is any difference between auto and manual starters. but i KNOW there is a difference between 350 and 305 starters. the 350 one will not fit in the t56 bellhousing which is why i had to get the ministarter.