I have been using PMGR starters exclusively for years on my cars. Delco made a good one but I don't think they make the ones for the original small block. Could get a rebuilt but those can be hit or miss on quality. I have a power master on my Monte Carlo with a 11.5:1 CR 468 and a Summit brand on my Camaro L78. They are a lot lighter and smaller so installation is much easier than the original Delco starters that were used back in the day. One other thing I have found with the old style starter is finding a solenoid that won't stick to the contacts when cranking. Happened on my Camaro when I first was trying to start it. Thought I was going to burn the car up by the time I got the battery unhooked.

rotin

 

Got a New Delhi PMGR mini for. 70s 350 and fit perfect, transferred over to the later 1pc rear seal 350 and fit perfect
No big adapter lug. No shimming

 

I changed to a PMGR starter and love it, so much smaller and lighter than the old starter. Pick a 96 Tahoe at Oreillys and there is a bunch of choices. https://www.oreillyauto.com/shop/b/...ers/starter/dad3c6651e74/v/a/3727/automotive-suv-1996-chevrolet-tahoe?q=starter

 

Just have to be sure of what teeth# on the flexplate or flywheel is. Most blocks are setup to run either offset bolts or straight bolts

 

Rebuild what you have. It's not that hard

 

Get the right bolts if you change to a PMGR too.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/dorman-autograde/dorman-autograde-3-8-16-inch-thread-hex-starter-bolt/dag0/678107

 

Go to a local parts store and order an A/C Delco high torque starter and you're done. Stock replacement style,keep it simple.

 

Look at post #12 in this related Thread shown down below.
It lets you know the application to ask for. Worked perfect for me.

Good info in other posts on the Thread too.

Mini Starter recommendation

 

i put this on my 55's 400. spins it incredibly well.
ACDelco Gold 337-1022 Rock auto has it.

i keep meaning to buy it as i still have that big clunky starter on my Camaro, which every once and a while just kinda has a dead spot occasionally. What ever you do, go with the PMGR mini starter. so much less amp draw. people have had good luck with the no-name Ebay mini's, but i didnt.

 

Pmgr starter here to works perfect although my convertible has s non name mini starter that also works great.

 

Pay attention on the electrical connections to the PMGR. NO jumper from Solenoid to Starter.

 

 

RobbMcPerformance - Chevy Starter

 

Very nice starter but not needed on his engine, I don't like the big adapter lug which may need shimming, and pricey.
The stock GM style is way more than adequate for his eng, bolts up, and is a good price.

He has good wiring info on his site.

 

OK, I'll give it a try and hope I get this right.

It eliminates the starter/ignition wire to the Starter Solenoid. It also eliminates a full time hot cable to the starter.
Useful when you have a small gauge ign wire, especially with the long run from a center console and/or some say heat soak loss in the wire.
Problem is resistance and amp loss in the ign trigger wire.

You run a remote solenoid, one large cable to the starter from the remote solenoid and a jumper from the starter to the Starter solenoid.
Your ignition wire runs to the remote solenoid getting it out of the high heat area, shortens the run, and requires less amps to operate the remote solenoid than the starter solenoid.
When you hit the key it closes the remote solenoid providing power to the Starter motor and the Starter Solenoid through the jumper.
Release the key, remote solenoid opens and no power goes to the starter.

But, you can't use that circuit on a PMGR starter because the solenoid stays engaged just a little too long and damages the starter or ring gear.
Don't ask me why on that one but someone here can explain I imagine.

 

OK, I'll give it a try and hope I get this right.

It eliminates the starter/ignition wire to the Starter Solenoid. It also eliminates a full time hot cable to the starter.
Useful when you have a small gauge ign wire, especially with the long run from a center console and/or some say heat soak loss in the wire.
Problem is resistance and amp loss in the ign trigger wire.

You run a remote solenoid, one large cable to the starter from the remote solenoid and a jumper from the starter to the Starter solenoid.
Your ignition wire runs to the remote solenoid getting it out of the high heat area, shortens the run, and requires less amps to operate the remote solenoid than the starter solenoid.
When you hit the key it closes the remote solenoid providing power to the Starter motor and the Starter Solenoid through the jumper.
Release the key, remote solenoid opens and no power goes to the starter.

But, you can't use that circuit on a PMGR starter because the solenoid stays engaged just a little too long and damages the starter or ring gear.
Don't ask me why on that one but someone here can explain I imagine.

Interesting. I did not know this was a problem. I always used the factory wiring with zero problems.

 

Yeah, I have the PMGR starter so it's out for me anyway.
One nice thing no problems or not is you don't have that big constant Hot cable going to the starter.
If not well secure it can be a problem touching exhaust especially with headers.

 

Powermaster, stock style starter has worked well for me.

 

Forgot to add that the Chevelle currently has a 700R4 OD trans, not the stock TH350 it came with. I did not do the 700R4 OD trans install, does that trans use the same starter as the TH350? Am thinking the KISS method of "Keep it Simple, Stupid" is coming into play here. Stock replacement style with a a good warranty, not sure anyone offers a lifetime warranty on starters anymore. Haven't bought a starter in quite some time, as was no need until now. Chevelle is a cruiser that does not see daily use.

 

the trans has nothing to do with the starter. the flywheel or in this case the flex plate teeth count does. going to the auto parts store and buying standard brand brushes and contacts I could have the thing rebuilt by now

 

I have A 350 with a 700r4. The GM Mini Starter PMGR fit perfect with no shims.
This is from the link in an earlier post in this thread for your application courtesy of MikeN.
I followed this. Get the GM starter bolts.

"The only starter I would use on a Gen 1 BBC or SBC:

1) If you have the larger 168-tooth flywheel/flexplate, get an AC Delco starter for a 96 Tahoe

2) If you have the smaller 153-tooth flywheel/flexplate, get an AC Delco starter for a 96 Impala SS.

These are the small PMGR starters and they work mint. Get the factory bolts to go with them."

 

Have rebuilt many a starter, generator. alternator and carbs thru the years but at 76 years young am currently recovering from surgery on my left hand. Can't do much of anything right now, a three pound weight limit sure does hinder the things one can do. To pass the time and keep me from going stir crazy with cabin fever in July I'm just musing and getting opinions for the starter replacement as I can at least key board with my right hand but that's a slow process also.

 

An update to the starter recommendation question: pulled the trigger on a Powermaster - 9100 starter from Summit. Still can't do a lot of wrenching yet after the hand surgery so I decided to have a trusted local mechanic's shop do the install with their lift and A/C in the shop. No lift in the garage, 97 temp with 106 heat index helped make that decision, LOL. Time will tell if I made the right choice but at present the Chevelle starts first time. all time with no problems.

 

Great starter.