TSAEB

iTrader: (5)

I hope you guys can help.

Why does the 89 and 98 chevy 350 starter have different part numbers?
What are the difference in starters?

i bought a 1989 silveraldo c1500 with a tbi carb setup.
It uses a vortec block with tbi top end and 700r4 tranny.

The starter gave out and noticed the flex plate had grind mark on several teeth. So i am replacing the flex plate as well. The 89 and 98 flex plate part numbers are the same. BUT the starters have different part numbers.

Can someone tell me why?

AeroSS

iTrader: (1)

I'm just gonna take a stab at it, but my 2000 Vortec (gen I block) has a gear reduction starter. You can get a non gear reduction for them too I believe.....

IAKid51

could also be starter shimming, or if you are noticing any post firing scratches from the starter it could be too much ignition timing advance.

Chas91Z28

iTrader: (1)

I wonder if the transmission bellhousing has any affect on the starter differences. The 98+ 4L60E SBC came with the new detachable bellhousing that was a solid circle all around thebbottom as well. Maybe?

2000formulaluvr

The starter mounts the same and has the same bell housing clearance. The man above had it correct with the 98 being a gear reduction unit. I run a 2001 express starter on my 355. Make sure its shimmed correctly and it should last for years.

ZONES89RS

iTrader: (25)

The old one is a big bulky piece of crap. The newer one is lighter and works fantastic as any.

TSAEB

iTrader: (5)

Kinda old post but yes the vortec is much smaller and needed shorter bolts since it moved up much higher on the block... my issue was a bad flextplate .. replaced it and bolted the new vortec starter .

Has been working great since