[marks73ta]

I bought a mini starter that a local man builds and sells here in AZ. I actually bought it used from another Pontiac guy here but it is the same thing. I found that when the mini was bolted into the location that the stock started bolted into, the stroke of the drive gear only moved enough to hit half the width of the ring gear. I could see by the wear on the drive gear that it was that way previously too. That's why I installed the stock starter. Its a good working starter and it engages the ring gear completely. Maybe I'll try it sometime in the future?? Again thanks for sending the old bell mount starter nose, it really helped me settle on a plan to make this happen. MArk L

[BruceWilkie]

Originally Posted by marks73ta

I bought a mini starter that a local man builds and sells here in AZ. I actually bought it used from another Pontiac guy here but it is the same thing. I found that when the mini was bolted into the location that the stock started bolted into, the stroke of the drive gear only moved enough to hit half the width of the ring gear. I could see by the wear on the drive gear that it was that way previously too. That's why I installed the stock starter. Its a good working starter and it engages the ring gear completely. Maybe I'll try it sometime in the future?? Again thanks for sending the old bell mount starter nose, it really helped me settle on a plan to make this happen. MArk L

Gee I wonder where your old bell mount starter is??? lol

Fwiw I tried using that early starter nose on a good modern Pontiac Hi torque starter... The newer starter pinion is a bit longer and the pinion "stop" is out further on the shaft... it prevents you from putting the old nose on by about 1/8"... I didnt bother trying to "fix" it... the old non HD starter motor is fine and at boost friendly compression it should be more than adequate. I could swap pinions and modify the shaft or maybe find a HD armature for the early starter... not worth it IMO... If I have starter failure or slow cranking, I may just buy a RobbMc mini with either the Toronado/Eldorado straight across pattern or his Buick nailhead pattern(offset bolts). All 3 have a 3.25" pilot same as the Pontiac. IMI has the offset pattern 61-64 Pontiac bell mount starter that will work. The RobbMc's are infinately adjustable though.

Appreciate the deal on that old 58 starter... it does fit and I did get it freed up and it works.

Here are some pics of my adapter... not pretty but very functional... I might build another but prettier. I made some minor revisions after these pics. I added countersunk allen head bolts in a few places for better clearance including the starter bolt near the ring gear... surprisingly I can tighten nut on other side TIGHT without needing to hold the allen head side... it wedges into countersink and doesnt budge. I even loosened it and lubed it and it still wedges in tight as soon as nut gets finger tight... cool...