starter

Need to replace the starter on my 57. I have a 283 sbc. I am not sure how many teeth are on the flywheel. Is there an easy way to figure it out so I can buy a new one?
Thanks,
Paul

 

Does the starter bolt to the block or the bellhousing? If to the bellhousing I believe there was only 1 tooth count available, try a starter for a 72 chevy pickup with a four speed. If to the block all they need to know is if the starter bolts are straight across from each other or if they are staggered.

 

some sbc blocks are drilled both ways...

 

starter bolts to the bell housing. I only see 2 bolts...

 

What is wrong with your old starter, You may be able to have it rebuilt and save some money. I had ours rebuilt for under $50.

 

I ditched my Delco starter. I had a bellhousing mount on my Jimmy and went with a Hitachi style starter that bolts to the block. This is the one without the front support on the bendix. It cranks so much easier and faster than the Delco starter ever did and cost about $150.

If you have the bellhousing mount starter, I believe that the 168 tooth flywheel is the only option. If you consider going to the block mount Hitachi (at least on my truck a block mount Delco wouldn't go in the hole) make sure that your bolt holes are not damaged in the block.

GM starters for the 168 tooth flywheel have a staggered patter while the 153 tooth flywheel starter is straight. At least usually... The aftermarket starters with the straight pattern are usually dual drilled. Usually... Be careful if your order one and look at pics and descriptions carefully.