Staggered bolt pattern with small dimension starter?

[1985s10]

I've swapped out my 383 for a 400 based 434. It's only got provisions for staggered bolt starters. I've found a few online for $250-$300. Is there a factory part with very small dimensions and the staggered bolt pattern? The guy at the auto partn store suggested one from a Tahoe ($170 plus core).
AAaaaaargh. I have the engine swinging from the engine hoist.

[1985s10]

I found a Summit one for $170ish. Got it on the way. It's 80* out today, so I wanted to get this done. I heard a V6 one would be small and might work. Anyone know for sure? I'd just like to know for future projects.

[smallblocker]

4.3 S10 starters are pretty small. And staggered bolt pattern.

[99s10327]

LS1 F-body ??? This is what it looks like ,Would the bolt pattern be the same ?


I saw a 88 corvette

[lxtasy]

97 fullsize chevy pickup truck with the 5.7 has a high torque mini starter on it as well with the staggered bolt pattern.

[smallblocker]

Gen 3/4 has a different stagger.

[1985s10]

So old school stagered bolt starters don't interchange with new ones?

[specv44]

The factory 1998 4.3 Jimmy starter has been spinning over my 10.5:1 360ci SBC for over a year now, no issues, even with long tubes

[bwiencek]

Since it sounds like you've already got a good starter you can do what I did:

I just drilled and tapped the block on the old race engine so I could use my high dollar mini starter - worked fine - the starter makes a nice drill bit guide to get the drilling started - use the one bolt to hold the starter in place tightly, then get a drill bit that fits nicely in the hole of the starter, drill in the block until you've got a nice start of a hole (like a huge center-punch dimple) and then pull starter, swap to the proper size bit and drill the block. Clean it, tap it, clean it again, bolt up and enjoy...

[2ksdime]

My truck has a starter from eastwood. its on sale for 109.99 right now. cranks great! nice and small, staggered 168 tooth. part number 11729. my solenoid is bad now, but i have no idea how long it was on the truck before i got it.