i have what i was told when i bought is a 1993 crate 350 in my 72 chevelle when i had starter problems (grinding and not grabbing)i replaced the starter with a new starter for a 350, which did the same thing so i tryed another and it did the same thing, i tryed shimming one side to get it closer but it didnt get it close enough, im wondering if this could be a 327 or a 305 or if the flywheel just needs replacement, so i was wondering is there anny way to tell by looks the differince between a 305 a 327 and a 350, and i was also wondering if annyone knows if there is anny differince between starters for those 3, anny responce would be really helpfull, thanks

All the starters for those size engines should be the same. Keep trying different size shims. If the starter is only grinding it is to close to the fly wheel. And if its not engaugeing your to far out. Also make sure that the starter is aligning straight. You know make sure its not telting at an angle or anything. Hope this will help.

Be sure you are using the "knurled" original starter bolts. Regular bolts will cause starter misalignment.

If the starter is too close it could prevent the gear from engaging. Mount the starter without the solenoid or any power connections. Manually pull the gear out to the flywheel. Now you can see the exact mesh of the gear to the flywheel. A large metal paper clip should just fit in between. If it cannot be shimmed to mesh correctly then your flywheel may be damaged or not the right one.

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Steve Strasemeier (70SS 396, Fathom Blue/White Stripes)
My 70SS (http://www.members.home.com/txss/sshome.htm)

thanks