I have installed a 96 vortec 350 in my 77 blazer. When I did this I ended up using an older flexplate so that the button on the crank and the torque converter input shaft would both fit through the hole in the flexplate. I thought i counted teeth and checked everything for diamiter. but now when i go to get a starter from the store none of them even come close to touching the flexplates ring gear. can anyone tell me rthe correct dia. of the flexplate i should have and how many teeth it should have. any other details would likely help too. I was eating starters before and a friend of minw had a starter that worked but he doesnt have another and that one he hand filed to get proper clearance with the bendix and the ring gear. Duh dont I feel smart. thanks for yous alls time.

 

*Moved to 'Engine & Transmission'. The 'New Member' section is not for asking technical questions.*

 

A '96 350 should use a flexplate for the single piece rear main cranks. So the oldest it can be is somewhere in the mid '80s. At this time you should have a 153 tooth flexplate correct? What starter are you trying to use? They made 153 and 168 tooth flex plates I believe so if you are trying to use a starter for the '77 it may be for a 168 tooth which is something like almost 1" larger in diameter than the 153. That would result in the starter sitting about 1/2" out to far from the flexplate.

 

that is what i needed to know. Yes 1/2" or so from the bendix gear is the issue of the momenrt. will keep you informed thanks.