Ryan77

Does the '77 corvette starter use the regular bolt pattern or the offset bolt pattern? I'd say regular but wanted to be sure, since I'm about to order a CVR high torque starter from Jeg's. Thanks in advance :cheers:

Smokehouse69

Ryan, I wish I could help you out but without looking at your starter specifically I couldn't tell you. I know that 69 SBC with a TH400 used an offset starter but what kind your 77 has will have to come from a 77 owner.
It also might make a difference if you have an automatic or manual transmission as parts stores list two different parts for automatic and manual.
Good Luck!

Ryan77

TTT

gravismaximus

well, it depends on what you have in it. most 350's can take either a standard or offset, bit it really matters on how many theeth you have. but if its bigger like a 454 i couldnt tell ya, sorry :seeya

Ryan77

It's the original L-48 350. The starter I was planning on was for a 153-168 tooth replacement on small and big block chevy's.


[Modified by Ryan77, 11:34 AM 12/28/2002]

Smokehouse69

Ryan, the only way you are probably going to be able to tell is to look at your current starter (if you have one on the car.) I believe that offset starters were for cars with 168 teeth ring gears, straight across were for 153 tooth ring gears. My 69 came with a offset starter and 168 tooth ring gear, when I put in the ZZ4 it came with a smaller flexplate and a 153 tooth ring gear, I had to put a straight across starter.
So unless you know what your car originally had it will be a crap shoot on which one to get.

Ryan77

So I should pull the starter now, and figure out the number of teeth, correct? Does anyone know what the original '77 L-48 had, offset or regular? Thanks for the advice so far :cheers: . I may try autozone later and see what they can dig up for me on their computer.


[Modified by Ryan77, 12:18 PM 12/28/2002]

Smokehouse69

Ryan,
You don't need to pull the starter to see if it is offset or not, just look at how it is bolted on to the block. The offset starter has one mounting bolt catty-cornered from the other. Straight across bolts are straight across from each other.
The offset bolt is on the engine side of the starter and is about 2 inches further back than the front bolt which is on the outside of the starter as it is bolted to the engine.
Chances are 99.99% that if you have an offset starter you have a 168 tooth ring gear, if it is straight across it is 99.99% chance that you have a 153 tooth ring gear.
Now this might be total BS, but I have heard that the new hi-torque starters don't care if the ring gear is 153 or 168 tooth. I really don't know if this is correct or not, but you might get some help from Jeg's or Summit tech support line. They might be able to tell you if that is true or not.

Ironcross

Your starter should be a cast iron offset if standard transmission equiped, if automatic, the aluminum nosed offset is correct. It will also be a none metric style. There is a difference in the bolt hole size so be carefull. I personally use stock style starters on all my pieces instead of those high dollar things as for racing and being lighter in weight is not necessarily the best for the street and everyday use. Use the bracket to secure the starter and you should not have any trouble with the stock HD style and not the light duty. Most of my engines which are street driven are between 11 and 12.5 compression. Just use a GOOD battery and it will work out just fine. :thumbs:

Ryan77

Smokehouse69-- no the new high torque starters do not care if it's 153 or 168 tooth, both the standard and offset bolt pattern starts work with either the 153 or 168, my only question is, is it offset or not? I can always get the OE replacement from Zip for $103.50 with the forum discount, but would like a high torque starter for easier cold starts.
Ironcross-- I already have a brand new high power battery (the biggest they had that would fit a vette).




[Modified by Ryan77, 1:46 PM 12/28/2002]

wallyknoch

I forgot to look what year you had, 77`s only had a 350 ci engine, the offset aluminum non metric starter will be correct. Make sure you get a high torque as it`s correct for Vettes, some joints will try to sell the light duty one as a replacement. :thumbs: :cheers: We sell ours for 75.00

Ryan77

Thanks Wally, I just went ot autozone and found out that the stock replacement is offset. Your company sells high torque starters for $75? Let me know the specs on those starters and how I can get one :cheers: