I just bought a '91 5.0L from another member of TGO for my '86 TA. It had a manual trans but my car has a 700R4 so I had to get a flex plate for it. I assume it is a 168 tooth one for a one piece rear main seal. It measures 14 1/8". The problem is that I can't find a starter to fit this engine! The two starters that Schucks and Auto Zone list for a '91 small block won't fit. The flex plate contacts the starter housing and keeps it from lining up with the bolt holes. Anyone know what starter I need?

 

Wow-I thought the only difference was flywheel//flexplate tooth count. IDK the teeth on a 700 trans.
I have a TCI mini that works on either & have no issues with it at all.
Hope it gets resolved! If you were close by I'd give you my stock starter!(Needs rebuild tho)

 

i though all the flexplates for our cars were 153 tooth?

 

I just went with the flexplate Schucks listed. I assume its 168 tooth 'cause it measures 14 1/8".

 

You can install the correct 153 tooth flexplate, or get a starter for the same year truck. It will have the staggered bolt pattern, so you would need to make sure your block has the extra hole threaded. The trucks from around '95-up use a starter that is more powerful and is compact, but they are pricey new.

 

I heard of a guy using the starter from a '98 Tahoe on his IROC so that is probably the route I will go unless I find a mini starter cheaper. My block has both bolt patterns. Besides, I really don't wanna pull the tranny again; I put the flex plate on backwards the first time! !

 

Well I just ordered my mini starter from Summit. Wish me luck!