[Tom McQueen]

Originally Posted by twooldgoats

With both my IAII blocks and an All-Pontiac starter, I had to use over 1/2" stack of shims! Works great, though. I just kept adding shims until I got the right clearances at the flexplate. I've been running it this way for eight years or so. I even needed longer starter mount bolts.

Jim

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.500" isn't a shim. Its a spacer.

[Mikes455Wagon]

There are a lot of variables when shimming starters. For example, I recently swapped flexplates. It was the same flexplate as before, from the same company, same part #, same plate, same engine, and the same starter. After the change, a couple shims had to come out to get the mesh correct.

[60man]

Originally Posted by Rob B

The starter had "top" written on it so unless you can't read, pretty hard to put on upside down.

I removed the support then was able to shim and measure out the pinion clearance. I ended up having .140" worth of shims to get .020 of clearance. Unfortunately I have to now pull the trans to replace the flex plate since I lost teeth on the ring gear. Sucks.

Ouch. I feel for ya man. I haven't heard any bad chit on TCI flexplates !?!
I've been through several pinion gears without screwing up the TCI flexplate.
Replacing flexplate sucks. Sorry 'bout that.

[twooldgoats]

Originally Posted by Tom McQueen

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.500" isn't a shim. Its a spacer.

Agreed. I had to buy a bunch of the shims at O'Rielly Auto Parts. It wasn't hard after I got past the counter clerk asking "What make and model is it for?" The strange thing is it took the exact number of shims for both IAII blocks. I kept the stack of shims from my N.A. block and installed them on my super-charged engine and the clearances checked out just fine. Go figure.

Jim

[Fast 69]

I ran into this yesterday. Stock 455 block, Butler flex plate with IMI starter. I'm at .380" of shims and it still needs a little bit more. I used all I had in the shop so I'll get more today. First time I've ever had this issue.

[Rob B]

Originally Posted by Fast 69

I ran into this yesterday. Stock 455 block, Butler flex plate with IMI starter. I'm at .380" of shims and it still needs a little bit more. I used all I had in the shop so I'll get more today. First time I've ever had this issue.

It will definitely throw you for a loop! Glad to see others are or had this issue. Not that its a good thing but just something else to be aware off when switching starters or flexplates. Things you take for granted often come back to bite you in the arse.

[Bruce Meyer]

Originally Posted by Fast 69

I ran into this yesterday. Stock 455 block, Butler flex plate with IMI starter. I'm at .380" of shims and it still needs a little bit more. I used all I had in the shop so I'll get more today. First time I've ever had this issue.

I have the same problem w/stock block 455. When it had a stock starter and flywheel I had to use a bunch of shims. Never measured how much but would guess close to .250.
I recently put a TCI flexplate and Robbmc starter in and had to use the same # of shims.