I have a 1991 Rs was a 305 5 speed car. Original trans still there. I installed a 350 ci engine, completed the install and now cannot find a starter that will work on my block AND in the bellhousing! The block only has offset holes to mount a starter but the only starter I can find to work in the 5 speed bellhousing for the 153 tooth flywheel has a straight across bolt pattern. Please help, part #'s and ideas are much appreciated.

 

Have the block drilled and tapped.

 

Is that my only option? I found a picture of a starter for a 1972 400ci w/ a manual transmission that looks like it might work.....offset holes and for a 153 tooth flywheel.

 

If it has an offset bolt pattern, it's not for a 153 tooth flywheel.

Drilling and tapping the block or not using a T5 are your only options.

 

Another one......1991 s10 4.3 manual transmission starter, wouldn't this have also used the t5? It has an offset bolt pattern and would be the same as a v8. And you are saying that there is NO starter with an offset pattern that will fit a 153 tooth flywheel? All 400 ci blocks only have offset holes so there must not be ANY way to use a manual tranny with a 400ci engine, correct?

 

There is no starter that will fit the offset holes on your block, that will work with a 153 tooth flywheel.

You can use a manual transmission with a 400, just not with the small flywheel, unless you drill the block for the starter.

 

park on hills good luck w/o drillin block. cost is prob $70-140 (1-2 hours of work)

 

Any other options? Different flywheel? modify the bellhousing, etc. Can the block be drilled in the car? I wouldn't think that cast iron block is easy to drill. You said manual transmission can be used on a 400 right, but is that a t5 manual or an old style 4 speed?

 

Cast iron drills like butter. Doing it with the necessary precision is harder.

 

Will this need to be done at a machine shop or is it possible at home? Anyone on here done it? Thanks, Oh yeah, having a new car with over $5000 in a new engine that you cant start SUCKS!!!!

 

With proper care and attention, it could be done with difficulty at home.