Ok so this is another one of my dumb questions I should probably know, but I don't and it's cold outside so I want as much info as possible before I go out to battle the problem.
It is a 1970 stock 300HP 350 and the starter is really loud, how do I quiet it down? is this the sound they make before they die? I've never had a chevy starter puke on me so I don't know. thanks in advance, and merry christmas, mike

Can you describe the noise. it may need to be shimmed, there is a process for this, a search would probably turn it up unless someone else posts it for you.

------------------
Leo Paugh
Maryland Chevelle Club #017
A.C.E.S.#3731
progress has little to do with speed, but lots to do with direction.
Maryland Chevelle Club (http://www.chevelles.net/mcc/mcc.htm)

If this starter used to be quiet and now it's noisey, replace it. The armature bushings or starter drive itself are probably going south. Other scenario is missing teeth on your flywheel. Be sure to check it all the way around.
If it's a starter that has recently been installed that's noisey, it requires shimming as posted earlier.
The easiest way to shim the starter.
Disconnect battery. Remove positive cable from starter moving it away from all metal ground areas. Hook up battery. Touch end of starter cable to the small inside post on solenoid. This will throw the starter drive into the flywheel, but the motor will not turn. Take a 1/8" drill bit. This is the measurement needed between starter drive gear external tooth, and flywheel internal tooth area. Hope the diagram below helps explain this for you.

>-----Flywheel tooth
o<----Shank of drill bit and drive tooth
>-----Flywheel tooth