Ok so I've been doing some research ever since I have been having issues with my starter/ flywheel orientation since I converted to a t56. So I just happened to run across a post about how the 94's used a different pn starter from Autozone then the rest of the lt1's. Sure enough the 94's use pn: DL9981s and the 95+ are pn:dl9989s. So i realize that I purchased mine from AZ (unfortunately) and noticed that the number on it is the 95+. Anyone know anything about this??

 

1995


1994


not sure what makes them actually different in function, outside housing looks a little different

I imagine they would work the same maybe the electrical connections are different

 

Not sure on the exact part numbers but my 94 formula had a different starter than the one I got a advance auto parts. It was a lot bigger around than the new one. They both work the same though and I didnt worry about it. My car is an auto though so im not sure if the starters are different.

 

Not to ruin your thread but does anyone know if you can buy just the solenoid for these starters?

 

You can use a starter off a 85 manual tranny 305 Camaro if you want a cheap but big and heavy one not gear reduction like a stock LT1 starter. These cars are old enough that they can have functional but nowhere near original parts, so maybe don't worry about what you find, put more effort into figuring out what you want on there. The stock LT1 starters are pretty nice.

Another thing is maybe see if you can find a local rebuilder, I just took three starters and an alternator to a local one man shop, $200 to fix all 4 pieces, good for me and good for him. He said if I ever need to buy one he can beat the chain parts store prices too. Help your neighbor.

 

well I went in to AZ and they checked and showed that the associate had sold me a 96 starter, after complaining alittle they warrantied it out and I got the correct one. Not sure if it will make a difference though, the only noticable differences were the electrical connections and the way the teeth gears were cambered

 

I dont know if this helps any, but recently we were having issues with a buddies 94 Z, I had spare battery cable assembly from my 93. We noticed on the wire that ran down to the starter, the tab was flat, his factory 94 cable assembly had that tab as bent at a 90 degree angle. If you have ever messed with a older SBC starter off a third gen, the LT1 is blessing. Also just due to the physical space of the area it bolts to, I dont think you could run any starter other than a gear reduction or factory style LT1. Thats most likley the main reason why LT1s have a gear reduction starter from the factory.

 

You can buy the solenoid seperately no problem. I did when mine got a big-*** crack in it, but I can't remember if I got it from the dealer or the parts store (like 9 years ago).

 

The b-body LT1 cars got a gear reduction. the L99 cars got the old HUGE style. We have lots of room but they went to the gear reduction anyway. The "l99" starter turned over my high compression LT1 fine till I swapped it out at 170K miles. It was just one of the old style 20lbs things.