IMO, you are better off trying the Robb Mc starter. That is the one I use. Pay the extra 30.00 for the pinion support modification. http://robbmcperformance.com/products/buick_starter.html
Yeah ive broken the nose off 2 parts store starters. Lasted long enough to be out of warrenty. Do the TA starters hold up . They dont look as beefy as that one you got there Larry.
I’m very happy with the Robb Mc starter. I bought it because of the flex plate I was using at the time. You can shim the starter/mounting block to back the pinion away from the flexplate teeth. I needed two 1/16” shims to get the needed clearance as the pinion was nearly touching the flexplate. I went through 2 stock mini starters before trying the Robb Mc. You can’t shim a stock starter because of the design. The Robb Mc pinion support mod is worthwhile if you are running locked out timing. When I swapped out my converter, I changed the flexplate. I had to remove both shims. Now I can use any starter, but the Robb Mc has served me well so I am sticking with it.
Were you running the solid no flex flex plate, ? I have the sfi plate from TA. It has holes in it. I notice the plate does not have as much offset as the factory one.
how about the solenoid connections, same as stock? just ordered one of these, my Napa starter almost didn't get me home from Columbus this weekend.
I installed my Robb Mc starter yesterday, what a nice piece. I really like how you can clock the solenoid in any position by just loosening two bolts on the front. Half the size and half the weight of stock. When I went to mount it on my 350 the inside corner was hitting and would not let the starter mount flat to the engine, I called the number that came with the instructions, (Saturday afternoon) and a really nice guy answered, and as soon as I said Buick 350 he knew exactly what I was going to ask. turns out you have to file or grind the inside corner to fit the 350. it will fit the 455 but not the 350. did that modification and mounted up fine. starts great. sounds like a race car now when its firing up, lol. this is a planetary gear reduction starter. high quality for the price.