[TCSGTO]

Originally Posted by torqhead

The shim that you find on some motors between the flexplate and the crank was used when the motor was assembled with the starter and the clearance didn't make build minimum clearance spec (between flexplate and starter) is my understanding.

Makes sense. On aftermarket mini starters to get the gear to flexplate clearance the shim goes between the starter and mounting block.

[72LuxuryLeMansLa.]

Originally Posted by TCSGTO

Makes sense. On aftermarket mini starters to get the gear to flexplate clearance the shim goes between the starter and mounting block.

My stock 72 350 has shims between the starter and block.

[torqhead]

Originally Posted by 72LuxuryLeMansLa.

My stock 72 350 has shims between the starter and block.

Yeah, that makes sense, effectively spaces the starter top to bottom and mesh between the gears. The flexplate shim increases space from front to back to ensure the flexplate doesn't hit the starter gear when starter isn't running.

[Va68goat]

64speed,
Finding a reputable builder is huge. There is one place near me in Northern Virginia that I know of that has a real good name. They don't do Pontiacs as much as others. http://www.candcmotorsports.com . I have to say...Paul has been damn good about this. We talk often and he feels bad about this whole situation. Honestly, who knows if a local builder would handle it as well as Paul. So far so good with him and at this point, I have no regrets. Things happen. As someone once told me when this all came to light... "The difference between a builder and a great builder is how they handle an issue".