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Glad you found your starter, I just went through this with my 400 block which is a staggered starter only application. I used the Centerforce T56 flywheel which is a 153 tooth version. Had to drill/tap the inline hole while the motor/trans was installed in the car. I just contacted my machinist and he had a jig for this mod. The larger size for the knurl of the starter bolt does indeed extend into the block approx. .250". For those that go this route, you'll need to drill that portion out to .378 or .379 which is done with a metric bit, I believe the letter designation is "W". The knurled bolts are designed to fit snuggly into the starter housing and the block to eliminate any torque movement.

I went this route because I already had a mini-starter which I liked and drilling/tapping just cost me the price of a drillbit.

The block currently in the race car only had the staggered holes(it was from a 1973 C-10 pickup), but my machinist caught it and used his fixture to drill the third hole. I would have been pretty upset when none of my 3 big $$$ Powermaster gear reduction starters would fit. Spare motor has the same 3970010 casting number, but it was an over the counter replacement block and had all 3 holes.
To be fair, the machine shop I use does almost exclusively high performance builds for drag racing, mud trucks, circle track and race boats, so I guess he checks every SBC he gets his hands on and drills that third hole if necessary as a regular step in the process.

Thanks everyone - spencerforhire - you do not have a problem, this is a very healthy condition

Now I start using my starter and it is LOUD , it is to far away from the flexplate, and I do not understand why, as the one hole is right and the " staggered" I made look rigth as well, how do I bring the starter closer to the flexplade

Hi from Erik and thanks to all your healthy guys out there

Some starters need shims. Put a shim or washer on the outside bolt hole to angle the starter closer to the flexplate. https://www1.remyinc.com/webpictures/te ... BSTR01.pdf

Have startet my new 305 TPI yet - no

I have to get an other starter, I cannot get it close enough, as it is still to far from the flexplate, it is only 9 teeth and a lot of starters are 10 and 11 teeth, and then it would be closer, now I will try to get the starter you guys talk about, the staggered bolt one for 153 tooth flexplate
I call them tomorrow and hope to talk them into sending it to Denmark - wish me luck

Thanks from Erik