The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 283 with TH350

I'm swapping the 350 that's in my '58 GMC for an early (1961, I believe) 283 for two reasons:
1. The old 350 is really tired
2. The 283 will give me more of an original look (even though it's in a GMC and not a Chevy)

I didn't anticipate any problems and then it dawned on me that the starter on the 283 is a bell housing mount and the 350 mounts to the block. Of course, the TH350 trans that I want to use is made for a block mount starter. Is there a solution here? Yikes! I hope so since I've already purchased a lot of stuff in order to do this swap. Any advice appreciated.

There is a drill & tap jig that's available that is used to locate the holes you need for a block mount starter on early engines. It bolts to the oil pan rail and guides a drill bit to prepare for 2 or 3 3/8"X16 tapped holes. The downside is the cost- - - -unless you're in the engine rebuilding business, buying the jig for a one-time use will get pretty pricey. You might check with machine shops in your area to see if anyone has that item, and what they would charge to drill & tap the block for the later model starter. Don't get tempted to just eveball things and use the starter for a jig- - - -the chances of succeeding are slim to none! Starter alignment must be exact. I think the jig is listed in the Goodson engine rebuilding equipment catalog, and also the catalog published by a company called "Regis". Do a Google search for those companies.
Jerry

Edit:
Goodson lists the jig, but it's out of stock right now.

http://www.goodson.com/store/templa...amp;SID=a80bc2371007243396d0c5baecd0feb3

You can use your 350 block as a pattern to fabricate your own drill jig. Use 3/8" or 1/2" plate, and make a cardboard template to locate the holes you need. Once the dimensions are transferred to the steel plate, use a drill press to make precisely vertical holes in the right places. The tap drill size for a 3/8X16 thread is 5/16". If you can get the drill guide plate hardened, it will help locate the drill bit with minimum wear to the plate.
Jerry

Danchuk has an engine starter plate that is designed for just this purpose. You use the 3 bolt starter that is used on the stick shift bellhousing. They get about $100. I think Classic Chevy Int and others carry them also.
Fred

Thanks for the great info guys!

Just out of curiosity can anyone tell me when Chevy started casting blocks for the block mount starter? Were standard trans blocks different as far as starter mounting?

My block casting number indicates that I have a 58-62 block and the date code indicates October 15, 1959. It was in a standard trans vehicle at one point (don't know if it was originally) because there is a pilot bushing in the crank.

I can remember a 62 Impala with a 327/PG having a block mounted starter. As far as I know cars & trucks used the same basic blocks with auto's or stick shift. Trucks with a stick shift used a bellhousing mounted starter through 72 but the later blocks were drilled & tapped for the block mounted starter.
Fred

I don't remember for sure, but the block-mounted starter probably came out the same time as the aluminum case Powerglide. I don't think the flimsy cast aluminum bellhousing for either stick shift or automatic would have carried the torque of the 3-bolt starter that mounted at the nose cone. 1962 was the first year for the aluminum case PG, IMHO.
Jerry