[TAQuest]

Originally Posted by "QUICK-SILVER"

The OP has an aftermarket mini starter. Probably doesn't have a shaft sticking out past the bendix. Drive end bearing on them is behind the bendix. No nose and shaft to do the measuring.

Clay

Ahhh. Thanks Clay. I was wrong on that then. Missed that. My advice wouldn't work with a starter that you can't get to the shaft like a standard starter.
I guess you would have to use a paperclip then. Or just eyeball it and give it a try.
I just went over the thread and I still don't see anything about a mini starter.....

["QUICK-SILVER"]

Originally Posted by TAQuest

I just went over the thread and I still don't see anything about a mini starter.....

Think I read it in his build thread...Not this one. First mini broke and he was replacing it or getting it fixed.

Clay

[TAQuest]

Originally Posted by "QUICK-SILVER"

Think I read it in his build thread...Not this one. First mini broke and he was replacing it or getting it fixed.

Clay

Nice work Clay. Either way it's good to point out it works good for a regular starter and not a mini.
I wouldn't know that because I can fit a standard starter on all of my cars including the one with Doug's Headers. No minis.

[HWYSTR455]

My understanding is, technically, the variance of tolerances is the mount pad of the block, and potentially effected by the line bore.

It can also be impacted by flywheel/flexplate runout.

The pads on the mini starter are generally CNC cut, so doubtful they vary too much.

I just did mine recently, and the pad of the mini starter was wider than the pad on the block, and had to bevel the edge because it was making contact with the trans bell, and not seating properly. That is a Summit mini, before anyone asks.

Usually, once you've determined the stack of shims you need, you never have to do it again, just reuse the same stack on any/every starter you bolt up. (which further supports the block factor)

Ask the guys who have tried to shotgun it by mounting and testing shims in use who are using IMI mini starters, see what they say. The drive gear on the starter is considered 'sacrificial', to save the ring gear, because it's much easier to swap a starter than one of those. And the IMI gears are softer than most, or is what I have found. Others too, apparently.

.