Can the 454 blocks have either an inline or staggered bolt pattern starter bolted to them ??? Are there two sets of holes on the block (I could take my starter off and look but I'm hoping someone can answer this for me so I don't have to) ??
If both sets of holes are there, what prevents someone from putting a starter meant for a 153-tooth flywheel on an engine that has a 168-tooth flywheel installed ? Or vice versa ??? Did 454s come with both 153 and 168-tooth flywheels over the years ??
I don't have the original starter that was on the engine.
Are the bolts used on the steel nose starters the short ones AND did steel nose starters
come in both 153 and 168-tooth versions ??
Any help would be appreciated...............

I don't recall my 454 block having both patterns, but I could be wrong. I don't think the 454's ever came with anything other than the 168 tooth flywheel/flexplate, and you can't swap any others due to the external balancing.



------------------
Ian, Member #232
Canadian 66 Malibu SS
Gatineau, Quebec

Let's get to your question first and then a little background. As Ian said, 454s ONLY came with the big, 14in dia, 168 tooth flywheel, with the additional weight, which means you can only use the starter nose with the staggered bolt pattern (this is regardless of whether or not any 454 block has holes for both bolt patterns). This is all based on factory GM type starters, not aftermarket mini-starters. The staggered bolt pattern ALUMINUM noses use 2 long bolts. The straight across bolt pattern uses one long and one short bolt.

The staggered bolt pattern IRON nose (ONLY way the iron nose is available) uses TWO (2) MEDIUM length bolts, Chev part number 3733289. You can use the iron nose for either auto or manual trannys, BUT, if you have a 4sp, YOU HAVE TO USE THE IRON NOSE STARTER! The alum starter nose WILL NOT fit into the starter nose bulge of a manual bell housing.

------------------
Tom Parsons

[This message has been edited by DZAUTO (edited 11-23-2000).]

THANKS..... you told me exactly what I was looking for....

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by DZAUTO:
Let's get to your question first and then a little background. As Ian said, 454s ONLY came with the big, 14in dia, 168 tooth flywheel, with the additional weight, which means you can only use the starter nose with the staggered bolt pattern (this is regardless of whether or not any 454 block has holes for both bolt patterns). This is all based on factory GM type starters, not aftermarket mini-starters. The staggered bolt pattern ALUMINUM noses use 2 long bolts. The straight across bolt pattern uses one long and one short bolt.

The staggered bolt pattern IRON nose (ONLY way the iron nose is available) uses TWO (2) MEDIUM length bolts, Chev part number 3733289. You can use the iron nose for either auto or manual trannys, BUT, if you have a 4sp, YOU HAVE TO USE THE IRON NOSE STARTER! The alum starter nose WILL NOT fit into the starter nose bulge of a manual bell housing.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>