400 block, DB electric starter...No fit...Please help

[Shmity1]

So got a 400 block, Aluminum bellhousing, and the DB electric mini-starter.  It doesn't fit.  The starter hits the block near the frostplug.
I can't get the bottom bolt in.

Any ideas?  Seen this before?

Thanks

Shmity

[fy469rtse]

Yes,
For what ever reason , casting variables, some are tighter than others,
Usually the electrical contacts touch or are to close to wall of block , last three engines I've had to trim the main electrical stud down to the bare minimum,
Check that this is not whats touching, you have to remove top contact plastic shield and use the contacts under this,
No problem , just make sure when you put leads on , make sure there away from each other when you tighten them up
Later blocks have the reinforcing ribs running vertically down wall of block ,
Like yours it was at its worst on a 400 stroker I built,
Got a die grinder and a steady hand ? , mark where it needs clearancing and take a bit out , also if its the cast area on starter touching ,
Don't be afraid to trim that down also,
See if you can post some photo's , a lot easier to advise when I can see what you are looking at

[Nacho-RT74]

tipical

[ACUDANUT]

 just use a normal size starter Problem solved.

[Nacho-RT74]

Trick and note:

laters starters got a reductor on armature gear to make it spin faster if you care about that

[69wannabe]

Used 1 mini starter and didn't have to trim anything except the main hot post. When it wore out I put another one on it I had bought at a deal and had to grind some of casting off the block to get it to bolt up without binding.