1107320 starter: High Torque Application?

[Mark J.]

I recently obtained a 1107320 starter dated 6 D 6, but it has a copper spacer between the solenoid and the field coil contact. I assume this might be for the high torque application, but cannot find a reference to what it applies to. Does anyone know what this application is for?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1107320 starter: High Torque Application?

I recently obtained a 1107320 starter dated 6 D 6, but it has a copper spacer between the solenoid and the field coil contact. I assume this might be for the high torque application, but cannot find a reference to what it applies to. Does anyone know what this application is for?

Mark------

The GM #1107320 starter was used for 1965-67 Corvettes with 327 cid engines as well as several other Chevrolet applications. This was not originally a high torque starter (i.e. externally identified by the tubular spacer between the solenoid and field coil). However, this particular starter must have been converted to high torque configuration. This could have happened when it went through a commercial rebuilding operation or it could have been done by some individual. It involves changing the field coil and armature as well as drilling a new hole in the starter frame for the contact. Is there any evidence of the original field coil contact hole? There should be unless someone has cleverly welded up the original hole and machined it smooth (a commercial rebuilder would not do this; they would simply install a rubber plug in the original hole). If anyone tell you that an 1107320 was manufactured "both ways" (i.e standard and high torque), they're wrong.

[Mark J.]

Re: 1107320 starter: High Torque Application?

Hi Joe,
Clever indeed. After I read your response I went to the garage to looked inside the casing where I had removed the armature earlier today. It turns out there was previously another field coil contact hole that had been welded closed and machined smooth on the external surface. It fooled me for sure. Thanks.