chevy starter confusion

i'm using an original chevy manual trans. belllhousing 168t. i don't want to use bellhousing mounted starter. i'd like to run block mt. mini starter. which bolt pattern would i use (inline/offset)? block is drilled for both. anyone who has used a specific brand would be helpful too. thanks

 

Inline is fine if it has two sets of mounting holes, if not then you have to use the offset or staggered mounting with the 168 tooth flywheel. Stay away from the Jegs and Summit or anyone else "branded" starters, most of them are just warmed over stock import stuff and they don't hold up - don't ask how I know!

CSR, Tilton, TCI seem to be good, probably a few others. Flywheel makes a difference too and make sure you set it up properly when you install it. Mark the flywheel in 3 spots and engage the starter drive with you finger, a .030 gauge wire (large paper clip) should fit between the tooth and the engagement area. Shim as needed and remember the shims can be cut in half if you need to shim one side a bit more than the other.
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I'm running a power master starter and I believe it's set up for inline or offset bolts. You can call them, they are good to work with as well as others previously mentioned. Good Luck here's a link for power master
http://powermastermotorsports.com/

 

thanks man, trying to avoid multiple trips summit

 

Large diameter flywheels use the offset pattern, or as said above if you have a mini starter with the two bolt patterns in line.You would move the starter outward

 

You can use a later model OEM mini too.