Chevy Nova Starter Tech

Tips for installing and shimming your Chevy 350 small block starter

[@BigGixx23]

Every time I watch your videos I learn something new. I had no idea what those empty holes were on the body frame until today! Keep these videos coming, you have loads of knowledge, and thank you for for sharing.

[@TonyGeneseo]

Love the bloopers ! I had a mustang in high school and that remote solenoid makes it nice to jump with a screwdriver depending on what you’re working on. Take care John

[@timradams1]

Best starter video out of dozens I watched Great job thanks

[@BigBlock402]

Great starter information I came over from Ed's Machine channel. I will honestly say that in the 30 years ive been wrenching on cars I have never taken proper steps at setting up a starter. It has always been hit or miss. My current starter on my 402 had been making a zing noise for the last 5 years. Now I know how to check the clearance and that I need to find a factory bracket. Thank You

[@Shop209]

No problem. Thanks for checking out my channel!!

[@stevecollins115]

i learned more in the first minute of this video, than i learned hours searching forums. great video, quick to the good stuff. stuck around for the content.

[@johnrichason6821]

Thank you! Great video! I recently replaced the starter on my 454 in 71 Nova. I struggled to try to measure the distance between the teeth. I finally gave up and decided to go from the sound of the starter. I wish I had knows about measuring using the 1/8 drill bit.

[@100amps]

Great video. Best I've seen for starter installation. Thanks!

[@juanpalos3657]

Hello bud glad to see you back on the project…. Can’t wait to hear it run keep up the great work big shout out to you from Mexico.

[@Shop209]

Thank you Juan! I’m back and working hard!

[@beatapt5]

Best video I've seen for Chevy 350 starter replacement.

[@Shop209]

Thanks!

[@Nova.1971]

Great bloopers!!! And good info John...I have seen to many starters put on with out the bracket... always a bad ending for them!!!

[@carlodonnell146]

I know what you mean about the bolts being too long; one should never force a bolt if it stops and won't go any further, because it may go through into the cylinder or other part of the engine and cause major damage. I am so glad that I learned that before something bad happened!!!!!

[@novadiecastman5251]

John , you the man awesome starter video very informative 👍.. take care

[@David-yh5po]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@obsessivegarage921]

Loved the bloopers at the end!

[@jeanlawson9133]

I always used a Cadillac starter from the old 500 engines with asbestos wrap to protect from header's back in the day.... Also the quadrajet carb from same engine larger fuel bowls great for modified SBC... Starters had better winding....Oh great content...😎

[@Roybwatchin]

I didn't know about the larger fuel bowls on the Caddy Quadrajets.... I knew a guy who would take them apart and machine out the bowls just a little bit all the way around the bowl walls and a little on the floor, it was enough to keep the engine from falling flat on its face when running big block 396 and 454's. I'm now interested in finding me a caddy quad, lol.....

[@axman20]

Great video!

[@SurlyMike]

Good stuff, I don't think I knew any of that. Now I need a starter braise.

[@RaysGarage]

Excellent information, thanks for sharing!

[@thehoule70]

Is The 168 tooth starter the same as the 87 305 Candian version motor starter ?

[@Frank-dm2ib]

I was plagued with hot start issues until I got a high torque mini starter form summit and I haven't had that problem since

[@hippiemiller]

Bloopers was good touch at the end good information for the 1s that don't know 👍👍

[@Shop209]

Thanks!

[@guledmah5872]

Thank you for your help

[@jbslittleshop2897]

Oh crap, your back. I will comment more after the video. 😁

[@AokLocksmiths]

Great video !!! Thx.

[@jamesjordan7460]

I once bout a 71-72 cutlass from a guy that thought the engine had a rod knocking....turned out it was a torque convertor bolt worked loose and every now and then it would hit the engine block, it was an olds 350 rocket😋

[@dustinfrost5214]

Your the fastest talker I have watched

[@Shop209]

Lol. Sorry?? I’m spouting it all from memory. I get carried away.

[@BigFrogs4x4]

Thanks so much. I tried other videos 1st but couldn't really see what the were doing.

[@lloydgreen4091]

Very Good info John

[@Shop209]

Thanks!

[@inspectorbusiness4892]

Speed talker! I've never run into a starter alignment problem yet...nock on wood. But I also run late model mini starters. Everything about them is better then the slugs your holding.

[@Shop209]

I agree. The late model starters are better. That’s why the oem went to them. A lot of guys run the older starter though.

[@gotrust4741]

Nice video just got a 61 Cadillac with a bad starter one they replaced before that was in the trunk and the teeth on the starter were worn down on the front. I’m assuming they didn’t make sure it was engaging right or the solenoid wasn’t pushing the bendix all the way out, the one that is on there is probably going to look the same just hope the fly wheel looks good still

[@hectorhipolito1320]

You brought up the starter brace . I have a 1966 chevy impala with a 327 , I'm having a problem with cracked nose cone on my starter . Thanks for that information. no one has mentioned that. I hope it works.

[@Shop209]

That and make sure timing is set correctly. Engine kicking back will break it also

[@irishuwould5185]

Thank you for this. Hopefully I won’t have to shim mine. I’m going back with a factory one.

[@ericvitelli7113]

mY 67 Camaro with small 327 haD three starters W/ bendix hitting flex plate on the th400- any advice? I put one long shim and washer - it will start but squeals a a bit.

[@bertvisser6423]

Actually learned something :)

[@NovaResource]

Another great video! The Ford solenoid install is a great idea however, jumping the two terminals doesn’t work correctly if you are using a modern, high-torque, permanent magnet type GM starter or aftermarket mini starter. It works fine on the old style starters but for some reason on the modern type starters, it will stay engaged a few seconds after the engine starts and you release the key. For this reason I wire a separate relay just for the start wire to the “S” terminal.

[@Shop209]

Correct and I don’t know why. I should have mentioned that. Learned it the hard way.

[@NovaResource]

@@Shop209 LOL. I learned the hard way too!! 🤣

[@rusoperformancerd5306]

One question when I turn it on, it sounds a lot and I put it in new because I bought it new cheaply, that's why what I saw when it arrived was that the connector where the ignition positive goes in the starter motor was broken, what would it be, I don't know what's happening or not. It's original I don't understand what it could be I'm crazy now and the starter motor is new I don't know if it's because it's not the original but it slips and it sounds loud and takes a while to start crashing the bendix help me

[@g..._anthony27]

What year is that Nova? I have a 1977 amd need a little help with the starter!

[@marianunez4813]

can I install a flywheel from 283 to a 350??

[@thisoldbelair]

This was perfect and super helpful. I also happen to have a cracked starter nose cone and definitely don’t have a support brace. Never had one. Where would i get one? 65 283 with the parallel bolt holes/153 tooth flex plate

[@Shop209]

You could try a salvage yard. Might have to dig around to find the correct one.

[@hotrods4x4s18]

Very informative

[@Shop209]

Thanks John. Hope all is well in Texas

[@MrMgomez3]

Great video! One of the most well explained and informative videos on starters I’ve watched. Definitely subscribing to your channel. You mentioned that you are running headers. Do you have clearance issue with wiring and also with the starter bracket/brace? My 350 in my 79 Z28 doesn’t have the brace. I know it originally had one but it was removed to make way for the headers. What headers are you running?

[@Shop209]

Thanks!! I’m running Hedman headers on one car and flowtech on the other. The headers don’t touch the starter but I do have to losses header to get starter out.

[@assyholey4224]

well said.

[@thehoule70]

Glad your back bud !! Question is the 87-92 305 the same starter as the big tooth flywheel

[@Shop209]

It should be but I’m not certain.

[@Jhardy.DeadMother]

I miss your videos only nova we need more nova videos please

[@Shop209]

I have more coming soon. Thank you!!

[@juliasimpson4512]

My 350 had a broken corner on mounting pad that was repaired with J B weld, using a long bolt inserted in the broken off piece that was J B welded...so its in there forever. After seeing ur video i now understend why i have had the issues ive had with the starter failing,actually the starter would move because of no knurls to hold it in position. My question,since that bolt is JB welded in position is there a fix to add a "sleeve" to that bolt to make up for no knurls. Thanks. You have been a big help with your knowledge.

[@Roybwatchin]

Summit Racing and others sell a starter with some extra holes in the casing. You bolt the starter on using original holes and then use the other holes to transfer into the block. You use a transfer punch to make a point in the block, then pull the starter, then carefully drill and tap the other holes, then bolt back on with four bolts rather than just two. Little bit of a job, but can be done if you know how to drill and tap a half way straight hole. I'm getting ready to buy one and use it on my 97 Chevy 3500 truck.

[@timmonk787]

I need help I am running air shocks on my 71 Nova I Like The rear of the car up a little bit like how people ran them in the late 70s and 80s I would like to go to a coil over shock but I don’t know what size I should get so that I can get the rake look I’m looking for can you help

[@Shop209]

Coil over shocks are used to replace the leaf springs. You would need to install a 4 link or a ladder bar suspension setup to use coil over shocks. If you get car sitting too high, your shocks will top out. Might need a longer shock or shock extensions.

[@BanCorporateOwnedHouses]

Question. So my 76 C10 (HEI) is slow cranking with my new starter. It's raining the next few days as I write this, so I don't have time to test this, but would that indicate it needs a shim, or is it possibly not getting enough power to engage? The battery is charged, I am running a 30AMP glass fuse for the fusible link that goes onto the firewall, and I put in 140 amp alternator. I feel like I can't solve this damn slow start issue, and I fear a shim isn't it. Could it be a bad ground? In terms of the starting circuit, is there any sort of grounding I should look out for that could cause a slow crank scenario? The literal engine block acts as the ground, right?

[@Shop209]

Ok. It usually isn’t a shim issue if your starter is dragging although it can be. Was it doing this before new starter? Is it a parts store starter or performance starter? Make sure you have the battery well grounded to the engine. Then make sure you have a ground from engine to body. Make sure you have large enough battery cables and good connections at your starter and battery

[@63grandsport11]

🏆

[@lightingmike1242]

I have a block that the outside ear of the starter mount hole is broken off. It DID NOT have a brace on the back side of the starter I bought on but have not put it on yet. Is there anyway to fix the block?

[@Shop209]

Yes. A good machine shop can weld the ear back on if you have the piece. If you don’t have the broken piece a REALLY good machine shop can fix it

[@juliasimpson4512]

J B weld is holding mine.

[@Elektroman99]

I have a simple question, because I didn't understand it 100% even with the subtitle, you use a 3/8 inch hexagon socket wrench? (At 5 minutes and 28 seconds)?

[@Shop209]

I used a 1/8 inch Allen wrench. The measurement you want is .125 inch and that is same as 1/8 inch. A 1/8inch round drill bit would work also.

[@Elektroman99]

Thank You 😀👌👍@@Shop209

[@johnnyvazquez8866]

Hi I go 1993 5.0 caprice I changed the starter 4 month ago around 3 weeks ago when 1 crank the car make a noise tack tack and then start

[@Shop209]

Hard to say. Could be missing teeth on flexplate

[@cliffordjordan3790]

I just watched a Master at work

[@jermalramsey1567]

Was that a 168 tooth start😢

[@justinrodriguez7220]

Is there a specific car that the 153 tooth starter goes on ?

[@Shop209]

Any car with the 283 or 307 engine.

[@martinbattilana4249]

That all sounds good, but how is any of that helpful when the engine is still in the truck?

[@Shop209]

Without the converter inspection cover on you can do this with engine in a vehicle. Some with bellhousing you can’t

[@zemoney954]

Great vid great info...thanks a bunch. You any chance a tech?

[@Shop209]

I own a HVAC company. I used to be a mechanic at a small shop. Long time ago.

[@zemoney954]

Okok Thank You , I'm a GS Right now at a shop and You seem to have a GREAT knowledge Sir...THANKS AGAIN FOR SHARING

[@DavidHernandez-fk1xo]

I’ve been having so much problems so I have a c10 it had a 454 bbc in it with a turbo 400 I bout the motor from my dads friend turned out that motor was no good from there I bought a 427 and they boosted everything up the 427 is now in my c10 1983 but there’s a difference with the starter motor the mechanic is saying that the starter from my 454 doesn’t fit my 427 I have a feeling this is true but Im not sure why they are saying This motor is no longer useable just because the starter from the 454 doesn’t fit on my 427 any tips on what I should do or what starter or may it be the flywheel? Another thing I also think it could be may be the flywheel maybe different size flywheel? I feel stuck and don’t know what to do or what what started to do

[@DavidHernandez-fk1xo]

I just feel stuck im 18 and trying to figure out what to do

[@Shop209]

Ok. So a 427 is internally balanced and a 454 is externally balanced. You have to use the flexplate and starter for whichever engine you have.

[@DavidHernandez-fk1xo]

@@Shop209 what does this mean and what should I go? Is there a specific started I need to use??

[@Shop209]

@@DavidHernandez-fk1xo did you install the 454 flexplate on the 427? Or did the 427 come with a flexplate?

[@DavidHernandez-fk1xo]

@@Shop209 To be honest Im not sure my mechanic did everything but all we had was the motor and nothing else

[@Cramerkenny]

So... have you ever installed a new starter, hooked the wires exactly the same, and nothing happens when you turn the key, not even a click from the starter? Just got a reman ACDelco for my 74 Nova since my old one died when I was just trying to start it. Im not trying not to pull it off again if there is something I missed. Both starters are stock style.

[@Cramerkenny]

Also I have been following for a while, and I have to say I enjoy all of the videos you post on the channel and have learned a lot from them!

[@Shop209]

Thanks!! Did the old starter die with same symptoms? DOA new starter would’ve be a shock but if the old one wouldn’t click at all or try and the new one is the same, I’d suspect ignition switch or wiring issue.

[@Cramerkenny]

@@Shop209 old starter had a whirling sound when trying to start it without even attempting to turn the motor over. It was soaked with oil from the previous owner trying to start the motor without the oil pressure switch, pretty sure it got inside the starter. The battery tested good, and I turned over the motor by hand to make sure the block wasn't sticking. The dash lights dim when turning the key on in the start position so there's power going somewhere. I'm going to try to disconnect the "S" wire and use one of the handheld starter switches for working under the hood and see If that wire is shot. Either tomorrow after work or Saturday after work I'll mess around with it again. I would be extremely shocked as well if it was DOA, would be my first issue with anything from R*ck Auto.

[@Shop209]

I meant to say that a DOA starter would not be a shock. If the lights are dimming when trying to start it’s using power. Sounds like a bad starter. Is it a 307 car?

[@Cramerkenny]

It's a 350 2bbl out of an early 80's truck from what came up with from the # on the block

[@OliveMule]

Great video needing more light and camera angles

[@Shop209]

Thank you!!

[@lordsauto]

Is there a part number on those starter bolts?

[@Shop209]

I’ll look the number up

[@lordsauto]

@Shop209 please John thank you. BTW do u have any vehicles for sale I have a nice 350 I built sitting on a stand.

[@Shop209]

I have a 4 door I would sell. It’s in rough shape. Everything else I have plans for at moment.

[@toddbob55]

GM is the only manufacture that did this shimming garbage I see why my father always stayed away from GM

[@Imnotyourdoormat]

😆😆😆

[@donames6941]

This old dog just learn more stuff

[@unchained20000000]

[@rusoperformancerd5306]

One question when I turn it on, it sounds a lot and I put it in new because I bought it new cheaply, that's why what I saw when it arrived was that the connector where the ignition positive goes in the starter motor was broken, what would it be, I don't know what's happening or not. It's original I don't understand what it could be I'm crazy now and the starter motor is new I don't know if it's because it's not the original but it slips and it sounds loud and takes a while to start crashing the bendix help me

[@Shop209]

It could be the wrong starter for the flexplate. Look at old starter and make sure the nose is angled the same. Without seeing it I can’t really tell.