I am converting from a 350 turbo to a four speed m/t. I have a 69 Camaro which has a 350 from a 71 chevelle. I replaced the starter with an aftermarket and it is completely missing the flywheel. After changing the starter several times, and exchanging it from a local parts store, I believe the fly wheel is a little bit smaller. I have seen aftermarket starters claiming to be adjustable to fit many applications. I am curious if this would fix my problem or if I would have to replace the flywheel. I would def. appreciate any help.

Thanks

I don't have any experience with aftermarket starters, but...

It's very possible your T350 setup used a 168 tooth flywheel (would then use a starter with stagered bolts, both the same length)
And your new 4 speed (if it's a 10.5" clutch) has a 153 tooth flywheel, and requires a straight bolt one bolt shorter than the other starter.

I don't have any experience with aftermarket starters, but...

It's very possible your T350 setup used a 168 tooth flywheel (would then use a starter with stagered bolts, both the same length)
And your new 4 speed (if it's a 10.5" clutch) has a 153 tooth flywheel, and requires a straight bolt one bolt shorter than the other starter.

I believe there are min's that fit both (would have 4 bolt holes I think?) but I've never owned one.

Thanks for the help, I will look into the four bolt starters

After futher research I have have verified that I have a 153 tooth flywheel and an offset starter bolt pattern. Does anyone know of a starter that would work or am I stuck changing to a 168 tooth flywheel. I have not been able to find a starter that would work.

Thanks

Yes, most automatics use the larger flywheel. Most small block manual trans flywheels are small.
Jim, I think you got the bolt holes reversed.
Small flywheel uses the straight across pattern, large flywheel uses the staggered holes. It also should be used with a starter support bracket from the stud on the cap end up to a hole in the side of the block just below the block deck. This stablizes the starter and helps prevent the block or starter nose housing from breaking if the engine kicks back while starting.

Many of the Tilton type Mini starters have 4 holes all in line to work either way.

It would be a lot less hassle to get a rebuilt starter that fits than have to change the clutch setup. Even if you have to pay a core charge to get the one you need.

my $.02 (adjusted for inflation and the drop in the dollar, $67.34)

I am all for finding a starter that would work rather than replacing the flywheel. I am still confused on if I should be looking for an offset pattern or an inline.

This might help: http://www.teufert.net/other/chevy_starter_bellhousing_guide.htm

your T350 setup used a 168 tooth flywheel (would then use a starter with stagered bolts, both the same length)
And your new 4 speed (if it's a 10.5" clutch) has a 153 tooth flywheel, and requires a straight bolt one bolt shorter than the other starter.

Jim, I think you got the bolt holes reversed.
Small flywheel uses the straight across pattern, large flywheel uses the staggered holes. .

Uh, David, that's what I siad.:yes:

Chris, nearly all 350 blocks are drilled for both patterns. There should be 3 boltholes in the starter pad.

Just go buy a starter with straight across boltholes.

Jim,
I don't know why it looked wrong, - it isn't...
David

Although rare, there is a staggered-pattern starter that will work with the small flexplate. I haven't seen one in years, but it used a cast-iron nose instead of aluminum. I remember many swaps with this stuff back in the '70s where it wasn't as simple as the two bolt patterns to choose from. Things weren't as standardized back then, nor were the small flexplates always the exact diameter as the straight-gear flywheels. This is an off-chance thing, but it's possible not knowing exactly what Chris has put into the car. On parts that old, you never know. From my experience, if the straight-pattern starter doesn't work--bite the bullet and replace the flexplate with a 168-tooth one and a regular staggered pattern starter. Summit sells a nice flexplate and starter that works perfectly together. Good luck!

I had this problem also when I did my swap from a turbo 350 to a M20. I used the 10.5" 403 bellhousing and the 10.5" clutch assembly. My starter I used with the turbo 350 was completely missing the flywheel. I went to the parts store and got one for a 69 Z28. As a bonus, it had a cast iron nose on it. Bolted right up and solved my problem.