Small Block Chevy Starter Mounting Surface Broke

An adapter for a 55-56 Chevrolet is a good way to save your engine when the block is broke or you have issues with the mounting hole.

[@davidblackwell6914]

Just did this on my Monte Carlo saved me from losing my time and hard work in my motor. Thank you very much for this video!!

[@ant10623]

What kit did you buy sir because I have the same problem on my monte Carlo

[@rellrell5820]

Where did you find the kit

[@thomasfoster7524]

Hey, so I have a stroker 5.7. Does this plate work correctly with the 350 ???

[@TexasKid747]

Wish I'd known about that fix 20 years ago. It would have saved me a motor swap! Thanks for the knowledge!

[@jennifershumate379]

wow thanks so much for this video. we have a 350 Chevy and the ear is completely broken into. so we went and order the Dan chuk starter plate. that you showed in the video and it works great. thanks for sharing

[@jonathanw4942]

Glad I could help!!

[@meagangreen2]

Definitely doing this to my 94 350 silverado. I was heart broken thinking I had to swap this motor and now we don't have to! Thank you, Jonathan!!

[@9t880]

Did it work on the Silverado?

[@9t880]

Did you put one in the Silverado? I need to do it to my 4.3 Silverado

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

It surprised me that the engine was so smooth with that light flywheel not connected to the torque converter. Well done! Thanks for demonstrating the procedure.

[@DannyWalker1949]

Very, Very Neat fix for the stater problem. Thanks for this info it should help a lot of people who build or work on vehicles.

[@mikebaldwin2280]

Been working on cars for 50 years and didn’t know about this update kit “THANKS “ !!!

[@JVan876]

Thanks @Jonathan W for letting us know about this fix! I repaired my boat (4.3l GM Mercruiser IO) with this method after re-tapping and helicoils eventually failed. It was a little more complicated fix on the Mercruiser b/c the the flywheel is bigger and rubbed on the Danchuk plate, also the studs needed to be cut on the backside so as to not interfere with the Mercruiser bellhousing. Still a better and cheaper fix than replacing the engine.

[@michaelguinn5736]

Morning Jonathan, back in the day when we had this problem we would use the plate from a old Lakewood or Ansen scattershield, then use the truck starter as you mentioned.....I never had any problems with this setup...

[@bruceshook1781]

Hey that is a pretty neat adapter kit! I have been to 2 county fairs and i never knew they made such a thing! I am always learning something from you!

[@gljarheadj2083]

I know this is an old video but I am so happy I found this. I have a 400 small block that is built up and a great running engine I just traded for it and the starter bolts are broke out just like you are showing. The man I got the engine from has a small fortune in this engine but could not use it he was going to get a new block. That is what I was going to do myself but I saw this video and now have that plate. Thank you for your great videos!!!!!

[@jonathanw4942]

Glad I could help

[@jholden816]

@@jonathanw4942 I know the video is old and very informational but do you think it would work for a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban 2500 8.1

[@jonhsmith2706]

​@@jholden816Doesn't work for vortex motor

[@greywolf6893]

Bought my starter nose cone months ago ,but was unsure about the plate actually fitting.After watching the video again and actually reading the comments of people with 1999 CHEVY SUBURBAN VORTEC 5.7 Engine, the order for my plate has been made. Thanks for the video and comments.

[@jonathanw4942]

If we can help.let us know. I think you will be pleased with it in the end.

[@charliehustle1309]

Blu Majic hey bud did this fix work for you? i have a 1999 Chevy Tahoe with this issue needing some advice

[@jholden816]

@@charliehustle1309 did you ever fix this issue? I stumbled across this video looking for options for my son 99 chevy

[@jesustrujillo1862]

​@jholden816 did you ever fix it?

[@Onewithsausage]

I did this for my 72 Chevy C10 350 engine. Seemed to work most of the time but every few starts the starter would either grind on the flex plate or miss it completely. I didn't see a way to shim it. Ended up pulling the engine anyways a few months later so I removed it. Thanks for the video!

[@HowardJrFord]

When working with a bare block we can repair these without much difficulty, and it's not expensive. But the method you are using is perfect as an in car repair. The most common cause for this type of damage is from using a standard bolt in place of the special, chamfered starter bolt. They are still available from the dealers. To anyone reading this, NEVER substitute a standard bolt for a starter bolt in a chevy block, whether small or big block.

[@Victorsvolkswagens]

Learned that the hard way but how would you do that?? I was thinking of making a block out of cast iron then welding that chunk with nickel rod

[@19504x4]

I built a similar plate to adapt a Chevy bellhousing, starter, and flywheel to Buick, Cadillac, Olds, and Pontiacs.

[@CharlieBrown-pb9xn]

One of the best magic tricks ever.

[@berghundkennel41]

great video's bud old school wrenchin !

[@daleolson3506]

There is an easier way buy a mini gear reduced starter used in racing they have 4 bolt holes in a line to account for the ring gear sizes .then drill another hole tap 3/8 uss all done 1/2 hour starters are better than the old ones too make sure when you drill the hole in the block,that the starter is lined up correctly

[@eddieforce2341]

I am always amazed at your knowledge.

[@ke6bnl]

That one may save me a lot of trouble in the future. But after using a newer engine in my baja and just got a 4 cyl. cummins for my next project, my old 50 ford F1 may be the last old non injected motor I use. Even have a perfect 350 in the shed as a back up.

[@jonathanw4942]

+Ed Ginsberg Like them 4bt's. Friend has a 236 Perkins with a granny gear 4 speed behind it, may be a future project for me. Has 74 hp, but a turbo should wake it up. Hate to say it, but carburetors are a thing of the passed. These young mechanics don't have a clue. Most anyway..

[@RustyGlovebox]

That's a great fix , thanks for telling about it . Take care

[@oscarbrand2775]

Life saver was so bummed until I found this gold had put so much work on sbc to end up having one hole striped and a crack on the other.

[@codycheney3401]

you are indeed a wealth of automotive knowledge ! So what would you do if the ediot at the counter just says they don't make that Item ? You know as well as I do that to work in some of the chain store automotive like well lets not name orelleys or autozone or any of the other cheapo parts places. I haven't looked at rockauto .... so what do you do if you are broke dowm with limited tools or place to work on it and a place says "you have to get a new block " There are too many people that take advantage of others ! Any way you said there was another way to fix it could you please make a video of that ?

[@michaelszczys8316]

I was going to say find an old cast iron bell housing where the starter bolts to the housing but you need to be sure and tell them when using that set up you need larger diameter flywheel.

[@michaelszczys8316]

Your timing sounds way late. I can hear it from here.

[@jonathanw4942]

Can't run a cast bell housing on a automatic unless it is an early powerglide.

[@michaelszczys8316]

Well that would work if you ran a stick trans. I used a cast bell housing for many years on many different cars only mine was the other way around, I took off the starter mount corner so I could use it with smaller flywheels.

[@tonycarrera5327]

I’ve got it fairly well. Could not get the top bolt to work on the starter. So tried it with the two bottom starter bolts and the back bracket. Started it up and now it sounds like the fly wheel is rubbing up against the plate. Any idea why? Thanks, Tony.

[@kurttumser7472]

I have a 1996 Tahoe 5.7L 4x4. The starter bolt holes in the block both have cracks. Will the Danchuk adapter plate work. Can I also replace the nose cone on the starter with a 3 hole?

[@jrsgarage3244]

Mid 80s caddliac eldorado front wheel drive same 3bolt starters 👍

[@juanrivera9409]

Hello Jonathan, thank you for sharing a great detailed video on how to fix this, now I’m just curious, I have a 350 in my el camino with a 700r4 mine I was in rush on installing my starter (I’m assuming the wrong starter bolt) well it ended up breaking just like on the one in the video, Im just curious could a 3 bolt starter Work ? The engine has a warranty so when the season is over I’m going to warranty it out but I want to drive it this season, if you say I’m better off with this or a 3 bolt starter for the season could you please let me know.. I greatly appreciate it!!!

[@larryfoss1033]

Another issue I am having is that when I install the small torque converter to flexplate and torque to 60 foot pounds, my flexplate is still loose - as if I need a spacer ! Great kit but I am having several issues with it - aside from having to buy right length bolts.

[@suewyke2845]

Well Johnboy you will figure it out you have the touch.

[@thomascraig74ify]

Hey buddy I got it thanks a lot you saved me my friend

[@KB-tt9oc]

Can this go between a 292 and a TH350? Nobody seems to use it for that but it’s the same bolt pattern and fitment, right?

[@AllenSitkiewicz]

Will this application work on a 6.2 diesel 1990 r1500 suburban

[@user-pk6sb6zh2t]

Hey Jon- what are the chances I could get a copy of that sketch you drew of the starter plate?

[@thomasfoster7524]

So i have an 86 with standard trans i do have a turbo 350, will the fly weel work, or do i need to get a new fly weal

[@edgardagosto1917]

307 adapter kit. -Use a 307 starter. Or a 307 bell housing trans.

[@jamakadave]

I just bought 1972 Chevy C30 ex-dump truck, but still has dump mechanics. when I finally tried to turn the motor over all I got was a clunk every time I turned the key. figured it was the starter, so new starter would not match up with out a little filing on the part that hits the block. get it in,hook it up and turn key to hear clunk every time. any Ideals would be just awesome. I have yet to hear it turn over. the starter mount to bell housing, does have block mount, but two other block mount starters wouldn't even come close to bolting on..... would really appreciate and help or Ideals. mahalo

[@Ksd.insights]

Would a mini starter work better with the plate ??? Vs the heavy factory starter???

[@Papikevnc]

Can you please help me out here in at a lost. I installed the plate and everything the way you said but it seems I have a bigger amount of space between the flywheel and convertor. And when I put the bolts in it will unseat them convertor and just gush fluid out. I even dropped the whole trans(was changing all the seals and gaskets) and I made sure to drag it correctly then when I bolted it back up same thing.

[@melvinsims6125]

I want to know do they make a starter plate for the vórtex v6 4.3

[@douglascorley5887]

Nice job I love Chevrolet

[@ISEEORBS]

This just happened to my 2001 Trans Am. Sort of... Same day I bought it, a few weeks ago! Lol, I guess it was already cracked or something. I thought it was exhaust rattling for a second after it would start. Busted 4 teeth off of flywheel, busted starter cone housing... plus busted where everything mounts up on the block itself 🤧. Definitely got to pull engine and trans, but do you have any idea if that can be fixed? Lol, if you even get this message that is. I do have a Miller Diversion Tig welder. But not sure if that's the way I should go bout this mess. Anyway...... any suggestions Sir?

[@jennifershumate379]

oh it helped alot. and thanks again

[@melvinsims6125]

Will the starter mounting kit work on the vortex 4.3 v6

[@Flipping_Assets]

Do I need to move the clutch back 1/4th on an automatic transmission or is that only for manual transmission with this kit?

[@DarkFlamage]

I like to change over the solenoid plunger & fork too b/c the old ones can be kind of worn away. Just sayin'

[@alviomantecon5951]

I have same problem on my boat I have a 1989 Chevy 5.7L would this bracket fit on the boat

[@jimmydixon6405]

Where would I get that starter from I've had same problem I'm getting kit but haven't hard time getting one

[@dariusduvall4170]

im looking for some too, theyre called a 3 bolt starter, or bellhousing mount starter. i found a PowerMasters one on Summit called a PowerMaster 3635 or 13635 starter

[@randallbutler2912]

I have the same problem with a 97 with a 4.3 liter V6 was wondering if that would work on something like that I have one of the ears just like on yours broke thanks to the idiot before me putting a fine thread bolts where the coarse thread should be now I've got to clean them out and retap them I believe somebody suggested helicoils but I don't believe that all stand up to the torque of the starter

[@jonathanw4942]

If it is in a full size truck, yes. In an s-10 it probably won't have enough clearance for the bigger starter.

[@angelsmoyer3544]

Ok so watched your video here. I have a 96 chevy suburban LS 5.7 automatic 460L( if correct) rw dr. So same issue no way to fix. Bought kit. Need to know if you need to seal up with gasket etc for bottom or if it seals up with gasket along the plate area only. New to this so wanting to make sure I understand correctly and do I use spacer or no. Anything else I need to know. Truck is only transportation so kind of needing to get it going. Already have another starter that lines up perfectly to holes. Got it at parts authority. But had to go to shop to get it. My kit is by danchuk from summit racing. So please let me know. Thanks.

[@summercombs8959]

Good humor you dont think im buying two do ya

[@gerrymcadams7517]

Nice job what brand of tools do you use? Keep up the good work I really enjoy your videos

[@jonathanw4942]

Never buy tools!! When you are in the wrecker business and you end up with cars that customers don't come for, you get the tools. So I really haven't bought hand tools in may years.

[@Flipping_Assets]

Where'd you buy this kit? Also where can I find an older starter housing like you have? I have same problem and need to fix it.

[@carloscordova3193]

Did You Find The Kit And Where From?!..... Text Me 928 919-3784 , Thanks!👍

[@9t880]

I have a 2002 4.3 Silverado and want to buy the kit but not sure if the 3 bolt stater can fit because they look way bigger than the start thats on the Silverado. You think a 3 bolt starter will fit?

[@davidrichardson7005]

Jonathan I am looking for a 66 ford truck or a 56 ford truck

[@whit256]

Awesome man. Thanks

[@charliehustle1309]

would this fix work on a 2wd 1999 Chevy Tahoe 4door with a 350 i have this same issue and can't get anyone to do anything bc the threads are stripped and where it bolts up at is cracked and the piece is missing could i use this part from summit ave change the starter nose and fix my Tahoe?

[@countryboy27207]

What is Templete deminsions

[@deebo2635]

Hey Jonathan, I have that same promblem with my 1999 chevy suburban. will this method work for me as well?

[@jonathanw4942]

If it has the 5.7 yes, if it has the LS 5.3 or 6.0 I doubt it.

[@tonywilkerson1572]

you do need the second bracket on your big block chevys or it will drag when hot

[@TheBlackWidow67]

Hey Jonathan. Do you happen to have a 3 bolt nose cone like the one you used in this video, kicking around? Can’t seem to find one around here. If you do I’d be happy to buy it off you

[@angelf9800]

TheBlackWidow67 PART # RAY 2464803 at Napa I installed mine 2 weeks ago

[@dbrannon79]

Would this work on a 6.5l Chevy diesel? I believe they have the same bell housing bolt pattern as the small block Chevy. I noticed you didn't use the spacer between the crank and flex plate, it looks very close, was there a reason for that? I have the same issue on my pickup with the 6.5 and I really hate the idea of having to junk the engine because of this problem.

[@ajprosser5652]

Would this work on a 1998 Chevy k1500 with a 5.7 it has a 4x4 transfer case

[@Victorsvolkswagens]

Ive seen a couple adapters for them but do you need to use a spacer on the flex plate? Or should i run it like how it is in the video

[@brucehenderson404]

Do you know if they make anything like this for a 6.2 diesel? The outer bolt looks just like the one in the video but the inner bolt is just fine.

[@estebanpelaez2931]

Hi Jonathan, I’ve been battling a starter issue on an automatic 4.3gm with a Th700 transmission (it’s on a 93 Jeep Wrangler, over the last year I’ve purchased 6 or more starters and I am on my 2nd flywheel now, tried just about everything and then I found this great video you made. You think it’ll work for my engine?

[@jonathanw4942]

4.3 yes

[@9t880]

Would this work on a 4.3 Silverado 2002? You think those big 3 bolt starters look too big to fit

[@charlrsadams4726]

i have a 1977 gmc 3x4 ton 4x4 i had a broken bolt hole in my engine block just installed the update kit and did away with the starter underneath and got the ,3 bolt hole starter i have started the truck everything seams to be good as far as starting but now i can't put the truck in gear .it moved yesterday just got it turned around .i don't know if i broke something u think my linkedge on my transfer case is off any suggestions​.i did have a hard time lineing the tranny back up

[@jonathanw4942]

You moved the trans back 1/4 so you will need to readjust the clutch to make up for that. It actually moved the release bearing back 1/4" from the pressure plate.

[@willefixit]

good to know thanks

[@andrebrooks7040]

Do you need to compensate for the bracket width in anyway?

[@larryfoss1033]

just installed one of these plates on my sbc. Problem is the starter bendix is against the flexplate. Anyone had similar problem?

[@carloscordova3193]

Where Did You Buy The Kit From?!

[@jpsalefski6048]

Will this plate work with a manual like a sm465 to be more exact

[@Takkunanome]

How come the flexplate spacer from the kit isn't needed? How come the extra 1/4" doesn't affect the crankshaft length past the block? Or is there enough length there for the 1/4" adapter? Thanks for you help.

[@jonathanw4942]

Adapter is for the early 55-56 engines. Use 1/4 spacer between the flexplate and torque converter.

[@traylonporter5537]

Will the starter reach the flywheel, or will I need to put a spacer behind it?

[@wandahelmer1038]

It brakes the block or the nose cone of the starter, put the original brace back on and this will never happen.

[@angelf9800]

Does this kit Attach to the flexplate I can’t really tell from the video

[@junglejonny1000]

do you have to move your trans back and get a shorter drive line?

[@donnellfulton469]

hi I have this kit the center piece use it or no I have a vortex 5.7

[@murrayhaberfield4651]

Awesome thanks Jonathan. What about the starter nose. I live in new Zealand and don't have the chevy wreckers like you guys. Would there be someone I could contact to make sure I get a decent one. It would cost heaps to ship the whole starter so would need to ask for nose only

[@jonathanw4942]

www.ebay.com/itm/1957-1958-1959-1960-CORVETTE-IMPALA-BEL-AIR-283-STARTER-NOSE-3-BOLT-chevrolet-/191881196271 This is the only one I see, but I think the price is kinda high. I will look to see if I have any left.

[@jonathanw4942]

Here is one a little cheaper that will ship overseas. www.ebay.com/itm/1957-1958-1959-1960-CORVETTE-IMPALA-BEL-AIR-283-STARTER-NOSE-3-BOLT/172877507319?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D41376%26meid%3Dc5c939d29fb44814931056dbf52f4666%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26sd%3D191881196271&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

[@user-su8po6sx1v]

I truly can’t explain how much you SHOULDNT use this kit. Yes it mounts up and will start your motor but if you don’t space your torque converter from your flywheel/flexplate, you will do some serious damage.

[@jonathanw4942]

I have used it for years without issues. You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about.

[@lightingmike1242]

Hey Jonathan, I'm not sure if you monitor these older video's or not but Can I put a mini starter on that type of nose. I have a Mini starter from a 98 GMC Yukon Stock starter i'm using and didn't know if I could get use my starter with that cast iron nose. Thanks

[@jholden816]

Did it work

[@lightingmike1242]

@@jholden816 Yes it did. Its some work but I got it. Used a Wilson starter from Oreilys for $75. Spins my 11:1 motor over just fine but its a heavy starter Part # 91013821

[@jholden816]

@@lightingmike1242 do you think this would work for a 99 chevy suburban 496 engine. How much is the plate or do you think a welder could make one

[@lightingmike1242]

@@jholden816 It will work with any BBC with a 168 tooth flywheel and the starter I used was for a 454 that I had listed. It would be tough to build on from scratch. One because there is NO adjustment for Shimming of the starterI had to do just a little grinding and Mild dipping of my 1 7/8 tube headers to help get clearance

[@jotegg1276]

Danchuk Starter Engine Plates #10100 from Summit Racing.

[@AllenSitkiewicz]

Will this application work on 6.2 with nose cone swapped

[@mrgb306]

I have this problem. Now my question is can I do something like what you did to a 98 Chevy blazer?

[@jonathanw4942]

Full size or S-10?

[@mrgb306]

The S 10 I guess it's the SUV. If I hold it by hand it starts right up

[@bobbymcdonald8451]

Will this work in 1984 chevy caprice

[@dudeofrare]

Ill bet that could be used on 6.2L & 6.5L diesels.

[@MarcialP]

Would the adaptor plate be the same for the 6.5L chevy diesel engine as the 55-56 Chevy?

[@dudeofrare]

Same bell housing bolt pattern. some truck blocks have the 7th hole drilled and tapped. All small blocks and big blocks from the 1960's up have the 7th hole cast in. Medium duty trucks use it, as we;; as ls blocks 1997 up vortec big blocks....

[@jonathanw4942]

It will fit, but I doubt you can get a 3 bolt starter that will handle that 6.2 diesel.

[@angelacoleman1560]

Can you change the nose on the 2 bolt starter? Make It a 3 bolt and the application be the same

[@89mymike]

If i bought a good new 3 bolt starter could i just use it as opposed to taking it apart and taking the nose off? I bought a 1980 el camino they put a 350 engine in it but the block is broken where the starter goes...

[@jonathanw4942]

Yes

[@89mymike]

@@jonathanw4942 thank you!!!!!!!

[@chrisatencio7929]

Jonathan, I’m dealing with the same exact issue except with a manuel transmission. What difference will it make?

[@jonathanw4942]

None, the 1/4 may require you to re adjust the clutch. If it is hydraulic, it won't matter.

[@ullissesmontoya2263]

I have a question when you put the bolts in from the flywheel to the torque converter did they hit the silver plate?

[@jonathanw4942]

+Ullisses Montoya No sir they did not. It is still working good and I would recommend this fix for sure!

[@angelacoleman1560]

I have a 88 Chevy 6.2 diesel if I did this could I swap my starter out to a smaller torque starter that weighs less?

[@jeremyhanna3852]

A gas starter will not crank a 6.2 diesel I believe they make gear reduction starters for that motor

[@gregstinnett73]

Wish I knew where to get this kit ?

[@jonathanw4942]

www.jegs.com/i/Labor+Reduction+Tools/241/10100/10002/-1?gclid=CjwKCAjw9-6oBhBaEiwAHv1QvJkM-oKDu6NrNYhsGk6JM0GTagZ5x3tE7gujs8ywqtYps1-XiX0_nRoCOu0QAvD_BwE

[@s10-Mike]

Do you know if they make something like this for the 4.3 vortec? I have the same problem

[@jonathanw4942]

It will work on a 4.3 as long as you have a 168 tooth flywheel

[@farmerbrown3768]

Where do I get this kit?

[@ericwear1215]

Will this work on a 1996 chevy 350? We called the manufacturer of the kit and they told my mechanic it only works on the old motors

[@angelsmoyer3544]

I have it now and am getting ready to put it in my 96 suburban 5.7 vortec with 460l tranny only thing you need to know is that your flywheel or flexplate is 168 teeth.

[@ajprosser5652]

Did it ever work

[@ericwear1215]

@@ajprosser5652 we made it work, The mechanic had to cut it and do some improvising, also had ro grind down part of the starter or housing, But in the end it worked , and still works fine

[@ajprosser5652]

Could you give me the details. I need to do something like that with my 98 k1500 it’s 4x4 and start mount cracked

[@deekay4953]

Jonathan W I have a 97 s10 with same problem what if anything do you think I can do?

[@jonathanw4942]

If it is a 4.3 and has a 168 tooth flywheel, which it should, it will work as long as there is room for the starter to clear near the frame.

[@jasonhicks56]

I have the same exact problem with my block. I ordered this kit but mine came with a round spacer that bolts on the flywheel. I noticed you didn't show this or use it. I'm wondering if it is not needed? Any advise would be greatly appreciated!

[@jonathanw4942]

No it is not needed.

[@jasonhicks56]

Jonathan W Thanks sir. I figured it out and works like a charm. I appreciate the help though.

[@jonathanw4942]

Didn't see the post before, sorry I was so late to reply. Glad it worked for you.

[@robertdickerson3325]

Same issue with mine. My truck been down for two years because of this.

[@logtard7672]

Did you try this?

[@chipdust]

Can you share the template somehow I need it and they don’t sell it currently

[@chipdust]

Or could you sell me one?

[@chipdust]

@Jonathan W

[@jermiahjames3937]

Can you post a link to that kit? Where to buy it

[@murrayhaberfield4651]

Hey Jonathan. Do you know if anyone has made this kit for the big blocks. I have a 454 I'm having the same problems with cracked block around mounting bolts

[@jonathanw4942]

Same kit. It will work on a big block also. Gotta love Chevrolets.

[@murrayhaberfield4651]

Can you tell me where I might be able to order one from please.

[@jonathanw4942]

Danchuk Starter Engine Plates #10100 from Summit Racing. Can also get it through any place that sells tri five chevy parts.