[jpetillo]

This is an embarrassing question, but can I install the starter on the engine before dropping the engine in and not have any problems as a result? It's been so long, I forgot if I took the starter off to get the engine out.

This is a '70 Chevelle with a big block, and I'm dropping the engine and Muncie in as one piece.

I guess the second question is whether it's wise to do so even if it can be done.

Thanks!

 

[novaderrik]

not if you plan on getting the header in there.

 

[Tom Mobley]

What Derrick said. You could try dropping it in with starter and header on it, put the drivers side header in the chassis and wire it back out of the way. I don't know whether it'll fit like that or not, but might be worth trying. It would save a LOT of work.

 

[richietables]

Yeah, I'm afraid it's hit or miss. Give it a try... I run a mini-starter now since it's major surgery to get the starter out with headers, even with a SB...

Oh, and John? If you think that's an embarrassing question, just stay tuned for any new posts from me and you'll feel like Einstein!

 

[SPARK69]

Its no big deal either way..a mini stater can be put on after with no problems..the big gm starter put on before you drop the motor in..it will be easier..

 

[TCSS1970]

I guess it depends on the headers, I used summits house brand and on my 454 w/ac if you take all the bolts out of the header and its loose on the other end it will fall out to the floor with a full size stock GM starter on my 70.
It goes right in on the motor no problem...the starter that is. Hard part is getting the wires on with the headers on. I'd wire it before installing headers.

 

[OLDED]

put it on first - and wire it all, except the battery cable, with a boat trailer plug in type connector and then when it is in, just plug in the wires. Leave a foot or so of the starter wire end to make it easy to reach. Actually, you can connect the battery cable too and then feed it up front after all is in.

 

[jpetillo]

Thanks for the replies - very helpful.

I'm not running headers, just the stock LS-5 exhaust manifolds. I pulled the engine with the manifolds on, but I think I may have taken out the starter first - probably to get at the manifold to pipe bolts. Does that make sense?

 

[Tom Mobley]

with manifolds you can probably set it in there with both manifolds and starter in place.

 

[BillyGman]

It depends on the starter you're using. I used an aftermarket mini-starter ( a Powermaster 9000 )which has three different positions that it can be clocked in, and on my big block 70 Chevelle I mounted the starter onto the engine first, and then installed the engine and the headers without any problems. In fact, I didn't have to move nor loosen the starter when installing the big headers I have with 2 1/8" primary tubes. And BTW, it will make life easier if you hook-up the starter wires to the solenoid first before you install the engine.

 

[jpetillo]

Okay, got it! We'll see how it goes. Thanks again!