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| | | | Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 48 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 48 | I have a '59 261 with a 350 mounted behind it using an adapter plate. This is a project I inherited when my dad passed away. Problem is that a starter was taken off of it when he was well and working on it but I do not have it any more. Does anyone know what model GM vehicle would be the most likely to have the starter that would fit this kind of application/setup? I remember seeing it some LONG time ago and it seemed like that starter looked like one I used on Olds Cutlasses back in the 80's. Pretty sure this has a standard 168-tooth flywheel. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,097 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,097 | I would suggest that you post a picture of the adapter plate and that may generate some
suggestions. A 261 would have a 2 bolt starter that bolted to the bellhousing. V8 starters
also bolted to the bellhousing with 3 bolts in that era. Later engines with automatic
transmissions usually mounted to the engine.
Fred
1956 3100 Pickup/Red/350/3sp OD/PS/Disc Brakes
1957 Bel Air Sport Coupe/Red/355/TH350/PS/Disc Brakes
2017 Silverado LT Single Cab SB/Black/5.3/6 Speed Trans
1947 Willys CJ2A w/F-Head engine
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 48 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 48 | Sounds like this will be a 2-bolt offset starter that mounts to the engine block, but most FLAPS will want an actual model for the application. The 261 came out of a larger truck and is either a '59 or '60 model. I will probably call it a 1960 model truck with automatic and see where that goes. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,232 Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part | | Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,232 | If it was me, I’d count the flywheel teeth and take a picture so you know if it’s a 6V or a 12v inline 6 starter before you start buying parts and hearing grinding. There is a difference in # of teeth and the pitch of the teeth. I’d have to go look it up in my book to give you the exact #s.
I only say this because my 261 had a 6V flywheel behind it. You never know what previous owners changed.
Chris
Last edited by ndkid275; 02/04/2026 3:21 PM. Reason: Clarification
| | | | | Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,052 Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums | | Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,052 | What Chris said. Check this Tech Tip for Starter and Flywheel IdentificationI also had a 1958 235 that had a 6 volt flywheel on it.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truckFollow this saga in Project JournalPhotos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,777 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,777 | The bellhousing bolt pattern between a 261 six and a TH 350 automatic are completely different, so an aftermarket adapter plate will have to be used. Most likely, the adapter will have some sort of mounting flange for a starter. You'll probably need to post some pictures of the engine/trans assembly before we can make an educated guess about which starter will fit. You're also going to need a modified flex plate instead of a flywheel, because stovebolt engines only ran Powerglide or Hydra-Matic transmissions- - - -never a TH 350. 235/261 engines do not have any provision to bolt a starter to the block. Early small block V8s had a starter with a 3-bolt nose cone that bolted into the bellhousing. Something like that would probably be the best choice to fit to a stovebolt/350 setup.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
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| | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,837 Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT | | Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,837 | Just an added suggestion, but who manufactured/sold the adpater plate for your 261 to Turbo 350 match up??? They would be the one to reach out to for a starter suggestion IMHO.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100Follow this story in the DITY Gallery"My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine"1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
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