1971 LS5 starter part number

[Tom444634]

I recently aquired a fairly unmolested 71 LS5 4 speed car. In checking it against the TIM / JG, I noticed that the part number on my starter does not agree with the number published. The starter has a part number of 1108418 and a date code of 0F10 3. The date code falls inline with the manufacture time period of the car (car is s/n 1632), but the part number says that it is a small block starter. Any ideas?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1971 LS5 starter part number

Tom-----

Both the GM #1108400, which was supposed to have been the big block starter for 1971, and the GM #1108418 are high torque starters designed for use with 168 tooth flywheels. I see no reason why they could not have been interchangeable with respect to big blocks and small blocks with manual transmission. The performance specs for the 1108400 and the 1108418 are identical. Plus, I have other information that indicates that the 1108418 was used on 1971 big blocks as well as small blocks. Whther it would be accepted, or not, for NCRS judging, I don't know. However, I strongly suspect that the starter you have is original to the car.

[Mike E.]

Re: 1971 LS5 starter part number

Tom--
The date code that you mentioned is confusing to me. I've never seen one like that-- it appears that you ahve a year, month, date, and shift, and I've never seen a shift. I have a 30,000 mile 71 with the original starter, and its date code is also without a shift number. Is it really what you posted?
Thanks,
Mike

[Tom444634]

Re: 1971 LS5 starter part number

Mike, here is a picture of the part number. Confusing to me also. In the JG TIM it has a sentence that they have seen a number after the date code, but do not know the meaning of it.

My first time posting a picture, hope it works!

[Joe L.]

Re: 1971 LS5 starter part number

Mike and Tom-----

I've seen this "alst digit" code on some starters, too. However, I don't know what the significance of it is. I don't think that it's a shift code since I've seen numbers higher than "3" in this position.

[Mike E.]

Re: 1971 LS5 starter part number

Tom--
Believe it or not, I was just corresponding with a guy with a 71 LT-1 #248X-- original alternator, trans, heads, rear, radiator, etc., and 8418 starter with 0 F 10 as a date code! I asked if there was another digit, and he didn't remember that it had one--It'll be a couple of weeks before we can look at it again--but an interesting coincidence!

[Mark #28455]

last digit

The 1968/69 judging guide lists the last digit following the date code as a "line nimber" between 1 and 8. I was just checking a spare 8400 starter I have dated December 1972 and it has a 5 following the date code. My 1969 L88 original starter also had a number (if I still remember correctly) but my 1969 L89 didn't (again if memory holds).
Hope this helps,
Mark