Finally got my clutch replaced, and T5 transmission rebuilt. When I took the bellhousing off, I found weird grinding had been done on the inside of the bellhousing, around the starter pocket. I couldn't figure out why.

Now I know. The bellhousing inspection plate was missing, so I bought one from a member here. Took the starter off the car, put the inspection plate in place, then the fun began. I couldn't get the starter back on with the plate installed. In fact, I had great trouble getting the starter back on WITHOUT the plate installed.

Apparently, it's the wrong starter for a T5 bellhousing, and rather than get the right one, they ground into bellhousing until it "worked"

So what's the right starter? 1988 350, one piece rear main seal, staggered starter bolt pattern, T5 transmission.

 

Almost. Straight bolt pattern, unequal length bolts is correct. This is what's needed for a 153 tooth flywheel.

Regarding starter size, https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tran...w-starter.html covers the basics.

 

You forgot a word in your sig ;

"Speed costs money , , , how fast do you want to go BROKE ?"

 

True enough, OrangeBird...but I look at it this way.

I came into the world with nothing, and I've still got almost all of it left.

 

So, after doing a little more research, the answer turns out to be there's a smaller starter that fits the T5 bellhousing, or an LT starter '94-97 will solve the issue.