I have switched starters on my chevy small block. The old starter has 11 teeth, the new one has 9. Is this an issue? I'm worried I might have the wrong gear for the flywheel... any ideas?
Chevrolet SBC's have two different flywheels ( or flexplates ) ... a 153 tooth and a 168 tooth. Each requires it's own starter. As a general rule ... the 153 tooth flywheel has the bolts that attach it to the block as straight across from each other. The 168 tooth has staggered bolt pattern. Does you new starter match the old starter bolt pattern ??
You made me go out and look and all the GM starters (straight 6 and V8) I have have 9 teeth on the drive. Probably 80% ofl GM starters (for rear drive engines) take the same drive from about 1958 through 1985.
Well the good news is that both are the straight pattern. I am changing from a standard starter to a mini starter. So it looks like I am close. Now, it looks like it needs less wires to connect to hook it up? Is that right?
Ok, lets back up a step here. What vehicle is the engine in and what are you running for a distributor? If the engine has an electronic ignition you only need the battery cable and the wire from the start pole on the ignition switch. If it has a point type distributor you will need a resistor byp*** to get 12 v to the distributor but that could be rigged with a separate switch if needed.
Hooked up an electronic ignition under a regular cap awhile back. Cool...thanks so much for the info!