Got a 383 small block. 400 crank, of course. 168 tooth flywheel. Starter works with a 153 and a 168. Having a problem with flywheel hitting the bendix on my starter. It is lined up right, to mesh with the teeth properly when engaged. The bendix is still in the flywheel when not engaged- can't even turn over crank. Do they make a shim to go in between flywheel and crank? Or do I have to cut the bendix to make it clear the flywheel? I hope this makes sense.
June 21, 2026, 06:00 PM
HR3377
Is the flexplate put on the right direction?
June 21, 2026, 08:07 PM
SmokeEm
Just figured it out- the flywheel we ordered was wrong. Brand new fly wheel for small block Chevrolet but the indention around the bolt holes was too deep. Gonna order another one. Thanks!
June 22, 2026, 02:39 PM
Top355x
My mini starter came with a round shim to move bendix back away from flex plate
June 22, 2026, 03:12 PM
nomad
quote:
Originally posted by SmokeEm: Got a 383 small block. 400 crank, of course. 168 tooth flywheel. Starter works with a 153 and a 168. Having a problem with flywheel hitting the bendix on my starter. It is lined up right, to mesh with the teeth properly when engaged. The bendix is still in the flywheel when not engaged- can't even turn over crank. Do they make a shim to go in between flywheel and crank? Or do I have to cut the bendix to make it clear the flywheel? I hope this makes sense.
Tes TCI does or did.
nomad Bruce Guertin
Easily distracted by bright shiny objects.
Wife says I'm a new adventure every day.
Call Automotive Performance Engines for all your complete engine building, dyno service needs 863-967-8781
June 22, 2026, 08:50 PM
inferno camaro
They make shims to go in the starter nose to give more clearance. You take the nose off and place 2 different shims in it and put back together. Google this # SUM-829000-3 You use the little round one and the one that the nose bolts hold on.This message has been edited. Last edited by: inferno camaro,