What is the correct starter nose?

[Steve Antonucci]

Hi everyone,

I recently read an advertisement in the latest NCRS Driveline magazine where
this vendor offers steel nosed starters for late 1969 & 1970 Corvettes,
Camaros, Chevelles, etc.. I have seen starters with both aluminum & cast iron
noses and I was initially under the impression that the steel noses were for
older engines and the the aluminum noses were for late 1960's and on. Then, I recently heard that the steel noses were for SHP applications. Now I'm not
so sure.

Can someone set me straight on the proper application(s) for the steel nosed
starters? Also, did the steel nosed starters use three bolts instead of two
to attach the block?

Thanks,
Steve

[Harmon C.]

Re: What is the correct starter nose?

Steve

On 73 Corvette starters I think the steel nose are four speed and aluminum are used on the automatics. I was always looking four four speed starters so I only looked at the steel nose ones a swap meets. One day I found a four speed number with an aluminum nose and now know the rebuilders put either nose on a case.
Lyle

[Joe L.]

Re: What is the correct starter nose?

Steve-----

Strictly speaking, there was NEVER a "steel" starter nose used on ANY Corvette from the first model in 1953 to the starters used on the current model year Corvette.

1953 through 1996 Corvette starter noses were either cast iron or aluminum. That's it. No other materials, at all.

All 1953-62 Corvette starters were bellhousing mounted and all used cast iron noses. Different desin noses were used over this period, though. Early used noses with "exposed" starter drive linkage; later (from 1957, as I recall) the "enclosed" linkage noses were used.

Beginning in 1963 for most applications and all Corvette applications, the starter was mounted to the block. Although there were a few successive part numbers, ALL 1963-1972 starter noses for Corvettes equipped with a 12-3/4" flywheel or flexplate were aluminum. No exceptions. Period. These noses were retained by a "long" and a "short" starter bolts in a "straight across pattern" at the nose.

Beginning in 1966 (for Corvettes), starters used with 14", 168 tooth ring gear flywheels again used a cast iron starter nose. This nose used 2 "long" bolts for retention to the block and in an "offset" configuration. While several successive part numbers were used all of which were very similar noses, this cast iron nose configuration was used through 1981 for all Corvettes equipped with 14" flywheels. For 1968-69, the same nose was used for Corvettes with 14" FLEXPLATES with auto transmission.

For 1970, another starter nose was used in Corvettes. This is an aluminum nose designed for use with 14", 168 tooth ring gear flexplates. It is similar in configuration to the above-referenced cast iron nose. It uses 2 "long" starter bolts for retention to the block in an "offset" pattern. I believe that this nose was used for most, if not all, starters used for 14" flexplate applications from 1970 thru 1982.

Since there were no "steel" nosed starters, the issue of how many bolts they used for attachment is moot. However, I can tell you that all of the 53-62 Corvette CAST IRON starter noses used 3 bolts to attach the starter to the bellhousing. All 1963-82 Corvette starters used TWO bolts to attach the starter to the block.

[Steve Antonucci]

Re: What is the correct starter nose?

Joe,

Thank you for that in-depth explanation. I must apologize for the "steel"
reference in my original question. I know they are cast iron, I simply had
my head somewhere else while typing. Sorry to take you on a wild goose chase
with that issue....

OK, can you comment further on the starter/flywheel/bell housing relationship?
I have no reference regarding the 12-3/4" & 14" flywheels as
they pertain to production usage. What deemed the use of each of these
different flywheels in production? Was it HP rating? Since my interests
center on big blocks ( as you know ), my focus is there. Wouldn't all
Tonawanda big blocks have used the same flywheel, bell housing, & starter
setup?

I have a couple 3899621 bell housings here. One came from a '69 L/71 and
another came from a '69 L/78. I know my L/78 ( Camaro ) used a 3789733
flywheel and I assumed the L/71 did as well. I believe the clutch is
referred to as an 11" clutch. Is the flywheel I referenced a 12-3/4" or 14"?

Lastly, would your explanation of the starter nose usage pertain to all big
blocks from that era, not just Corvettes?

Thanks Joe,

Steve

[Mark #28455]

for Corvettes

If I remember correctly, the 1965 425 HP and the 1967-69 L88's used the 12 3/4" flywheel, all the others used the 14" flywheel.
Mark

[Mark #28455]

Big Blocks that is *NM*