ok i have a 350 from an 83 pickup it came with just motor and not transmission, i put it in a 76 impala. it has a 350 turbo transmission. i cant get a starter to work. it has the origainal flexplate on the motor but when i tried to put an older starter i had on it, the gear on the starter hits the flywheel before it engages all the way. so i took it off and measured the distance between the inside bolt hole to the edge of the starter gear and it measures 1.5 inches. when i measure the distance on the motor it is close to 2 inches. is there a different type of starter i need? thanks in advance!

 

i think that you need the 83 truck starter .

 

I recall there being a lot of issues with the older starters. Assuming you've got the correct starter for the application, you may need to use spacer shims to get it to meet the teeth on the flex plate. Half inch sounds like an awful lot, though. you may not have the correct starter.

 

Try a late model Vortec engine starter, I have a 350 from 1975 in my '78 El Camino with headers and a turbo 350 tranny, the Vortec starter bolts right up and fits without dropping the header. It goes on with no shims and makes no "grinding" sound when cranking.