did our cars come with starter shims? mine has been making a funny noise for some time since i put the car back together so i was wandering. if so i must have lost mine

 

They only add shims at the factory if they are needed to adjust the starter for the correct engagement of the starter gear to the flywheel (or flexplate) gear. Stockers may or not have shims. When you intall a new starter, you may need shims. You have to check the clearance between the tip of the starter gear and the bottom of the notch its in on the flywheel. A standard size paper clip wire will generally serve as a gauge to get the correct tooth engagment.

 

on my first lt1 i replaced the starter and the shim. the starter went again 1000 miles later, this time i left the shim out and it was fine until i sold the car.

my current car never had one/ dosent now. injuneer said it best though. just measure the tooth clearance and if it looks nice and tight you shouldnt need one.