? SB Chevy engine & Porsche trans..can we use mini starter.

[fastco]

Hello mates...got as question on starter application for Ultima GTR, we want to use a race type Hitatchi mini starter & not the Ultima supplied Porsche starter. We have a Quarter Master flywheel & Powertrain 3 disc clutch set up , flywheel is 153 tooth . Can we mount the mini starter as with a normal Chevy starter location & clear the adapter plate for the nose of the mini starter to clear? Any lads there have used this set up? Thanks for any help or asdvise in advance Cheers! DR.Dee

PS: The engine is here in the USA & the Ultima is in the UK... sending engine cross the pond & need to know before it sails to the UK

[Rubi]

Well if the flywheel you have is the atandard size for a chevy then yes you probably can. BUT I don't think a standard chevy flywheel will fit inside the Porsche gearbox bellhousing as its diameter too great. If you have a smaller flywheel to fit inside the gearbox bellhousing then the stock chevy starter motor location will not mesh with the ring gear, I suppose you might be able to alter the mounting block on the starter motor, but then you will find that as well as requiring a hole on the adaptor plate to let the starter pass through so it can engage the ring gear, the nose of the starter needs to go where the bellhousing is so you have to spend a couple of hours removing aluminium to get the nose of the starter to fit.

Rather than mount the starter on the original chevy mounting it may be easier if you are going to use a Mini starter to flange mount it on the front face (engine side) of the adaptor plate. That's how mine is; it uses a Toyota starter - donor vehicle unknown. You still need the hole in the adaptor plate and the cut out in the Gearbox Bellhousing but it all seems to work!