Starter question concerning different size flexplates

[TWINRAY]

I've seen starter advertisments that say you could use "such and such" starter on SB motors with either the 150 ish or 160 ish flexplate. How can the same starter engage both a 12.x" flexplate and the larger 14" flexplate? This is probably a simple question:ugh

 

[JohnZ]

I've seen starter advertisments that say you could use "such and such" starter on SB motors with either the 150 ish or 160 ish flexplate. How can the same starter engage both a 12.x" flexplate and the larger 14" flexplate? This is probably a simple question:ugh

It can't. With stock-type starters, the 12-3/4" 153-tooth flexplate requires a starter nose with the attaching bolts directly across from each other, and the 14" 168-tooth flexplate requires a starter nose with the attaching bolts located diagonally from each other. That said, some of the aftermarket "hot-rod" geared starters are adjustable to fit either type, although there's no reason to use them.

 

[TWINRAY]

It can't. With stock-type starters, the 12-3/4" 153-tooth flexplate requires a starter nose with the attaching bolts directly across from each other, and the 14" 168-tooth flexplate requires a starter nose with the attaching bolts located diagonally from each other. That said, some of the aftermarket "hot-rod" geared starters are adjustable to fit either type, although there's no reason to use them.

12-3/4" 153-tooth "requires a starter nose with the attaching bolts directly across from each other"

Thanks John,
I've decided to keep it simple and use then my "orig" starter on my ZZ4 motor. I was thinking of getting one of the fancy gear reduction starters but decided I could put the $200+ to other stuff I need.

Regards, Fred