Cant find a straight answer on this. I cant find it in the tech articles, but it keeps popping up on searches.

I have a Gen I SBC from 1975, mated to a 700R4 presently. The 355 has the regular, earlier starters.

Will it work with a 1995 T56? or Do i need an LT1 starter?

TIA.

 

When I put a t56 into my 92, I used the same starter and everything works fine. It had the 700r4 too, so i think you would be ok.

 

Did you have to shim it or anything?

Number, or size of teeth is ok too?

Just the answer i was looking for, but just want to be sure. Im closing the deal on this tommorow, and i just want to have everything.

 

If your early block doesn't have the late model hole drilled in it, you MUST drill it. It is NOT POSSIBLE for a starter to work the smaller flywheel, and use the bolt hole that came on the early block; because the starter guts will be closer to the crank, in order to engage the smaller flywheel, but that early-model inner bolt hole would then go RIGHT THROUGH THE MIDDLE of the starter drive.

People will tell you that this or that or the other magic starter "ought to" work. You'll also notice, that NOT ONE of those people, have actually done it. Ignore them, they are WRONG.



You MUST add this hole, if your block doesn't have it. Once it's there, you can use a stock 305/350 starter for one of these cars (I don't receommend that because it's a POS), or either of the LT1 starters (only difference is the bolts that go with them), or any "dual pattern" aftermarket starter.

 

In response to what was said above, the stock 3rdgen starters don't seem to work. I bought a replacement L98 starter from Autozone and the nose did not fit into the bellhousing. I'd suggest buying an LT1 starter or aftermarket mini-starter with an inline bolt pattern to be used with a 153 tooth flywheel.

 

Hmm ok, so ill drill the new hole if im missing it. Should i get the 95 LT1 starter? Im getting this stuff shipped to me soon, so i may as well ask the guy if he'll give it to me. Thanks.

 

I am just finishing up putting a T56 in my 91 GTA, that is running an older 2 piece rear main with stagared bolt holes. I am running an aftermarket mini started and it work fine. I am also using the centerforce flywheel, which you will need to get if you plan on running an LT1 style T56.

 

If it's free or cheap, absolutely.

 

Not to correct the almight J-man, but some 3rdgen starters do work. The larger bodied 350 starters won't work, as well as some earlier 305s. But my stock starter from my '91 305 worked. It was one of the smaller bodied starters they used in the later 3rdgens and early-mid 90's v8 cars/trucks. Unless you're getting it for free, just use the lt1 starter though.

Although neither of those would work with a '75 block. As shown by the bolt hole placement picture.

 

I got some drilling and tapping to do i guess.

The guy was nice enough to throw the starter into the mix, ill see what im up against when all the parts arrive.

I bought the T56, to be picked up in 2 weeks time. Ordered a x-member and driveshaft loop from spohn, and i just finished the deal with this guy. So i should have everything in 2 weeks or less, we'll go from there.

Thanks for all the response. I was having a hell of a time figuring this one out.

 

I used my stock 86 305 starter with a stock LT1 flywheel.
Just needed to grind the starter opening in the bellhousing slightly at the corner. Also had to trim the metal shield that covers the lower part of the front of the flywheel.
Worked great.