I bought a starter a while back to have as a spare or use on a future race car. Today, I decided to put it on my new motor.

To my surprise, the bolts bottomed out before the starter was tight.

Upon inspection, the mounting base was about 3/8" shorter than the other starter I had. Everything else is identical.

What gives? Were there different starters for different years? Maybe Auto vs 6 speed?

 

Auto and manual use the same starter for the LT1, which is what I assume you have since you didn't post any vehicle info...

Maybe you got a starter for a V6?

 

Is the starter from a dealer or a parts store? Most any parts store will sell you a starter for a traditional SBC which may require shimming to work.

 

Thanks for the replies ...

The starter was bought in a lot of "LT1" parts I bid on, probably a year ago or more. It isn't new.