1986 GMC to 1998 Tahoe starter swap

[Dannyboy1966]

Some words of wisdom, and experience about taking that old 20 pound hunk of junk off the side of your sb 350 or 305 and replacing it with the starter for a 98 Chevy Tahoe. First the weight and size difference, it only weighs 8 pounds, and is about half the size, thanks to it being a gear reduction starter, the mounting head is pretty much the same size as your old one. Next you will notice it will almost spin your engine out from under the hood. Now as for buying the new starter auto parts stores will look at you like you are crazy, swear it won't fit, But if you do your research on line comparing the two you'll find out it fits. Now for the install. 1) your old mounting bolts are too long. You can either pick up some in the help supplies for a 98 Tahoe, or just go to a hardware store and get you a couple 3/8 x 16 x 4 inch Grade 8 bolts, and 2 washers to fit, this method was way cheaper than the parts store. 2) You will need to replace the small eyelet on the wire to your "S" terminal, your old one is just a hair too small. 3) If you have headers figure out how your going to install your wires before your on the ground, as the new terminals are in a slightly different angle than your old starter, and will be touching your headers . Hope this was helpful to someone out there. Rock on and enjoy that square body.

[LuvNLife]

Dannyboy,

Would you please post the brand and part number of the starter you used? Makes it easier than arguing with the computer at a parts counter...

Thanks,

Jerry

[Dannyboy1966]

Originally Posted by LuvNLife

Dannyboy,

Would you please post the brand and part number of the starter you used? Makes it easier than arguing with the computer at a parts counter...

Thanks,

Jerry

Jerry, I used the Autozone Duralast Gold DLG9990S, It's not a remanufactured it's NEW. online and in store price was $144 Lifetime Warranted.

[LuvNLife]

Originally Posted by Dannyboy1966

Jerry, I used the Autozone Duralast Gold DLG9990S, It's not a remanufactured it's NEW. online and in store price was $144 Lifetime Warranted.

Thank you!

Jerry

[lindstromjd]

Just the kind of thing I like to hear, especially when I am in need of a new starter on one of my project engines. Thanks!!

[gramps77]

This is all Ive been installing on my SBC since about '06. As long as you have a 168 tooth flexplate
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bc...et/model/tahoe

The ones built by Hitachi are supposed to be a hot ticket as well

[KQQL IT]

I use one for a 98 C2500 with a big block.
Which I'd bet is the same p/n as the 98 tahoe

[school boy]

I used a 1995 chevy 2500 with a 454 starter on my 1970 sbc 400 in my 1986 c10.

[UKNOWME]

Besides the size difference what do you gain?

[Dannyboy1966]

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

Besides the size difference what do you gain?

I done it a little more than a week ago, and I've noticed it seems to spin the engine alot easier, and a little faster than the original starter. The new smaller starter is suppose to be able to handle heat better, which is a plus, it is over 2 inches away from the exhaust headers, where the large original one was maybe an inch away if that, so it was constantly cooked. Other than that 21 pounds vs 8 pounds when you laying on your back under your ride. i would also imagine this would be a good replacement for some cars as well, Ive seen some of those that were a bear to change.

[UKNOWME]

Originally Posted by Dannyboy1966

I done it a little more than a week ago, and I've noticed it seems to spin the engine alot easier, and a little faster than the original starter. The new smaller starter is suppose to be able to handle heat better, which is a plus, it is over 2 inches away from the exhaust headers, where the large original one was maybe an inch away if that, so it was constantly cooked. Other than that 21 pounds vs 8 pounds when you laying on your back under your ride. i would also imagine this would be a good replacement for some cars as well, Ive seen some of those that were a bear to change.

Thanks! I'm sure with my headers I'll need one soon enough and will upgrade to that.

[tucsonjwt]

I had a Hitachi installed in my 83 454 to help with starter heat soak. It did help. One quirk is that it seems to occasionally run a bit too long -like after the engine starts for a second or two. I tried the more expensive Chevy performance red bow tie mini starter and it was better than stock but not as good as the Hitachi. I added a starter heat wrap to it just for insurance. I think the stock GM mini starters are good too - I have had many new GM pickups and SUVs in the past 10 years and the starters are all faster and quieter than our old lunkers (of course, the new engines help a lot too.)

[KQQL IT]

Originally Posted by tucsonjwt

I had a Hitachi installed in my 83 454 to help with starter heat soak. It did help. One quirk is that it seems to occasionally run a bit too long -like after the engine starts for a second or two. I tried the more expensive Chevy performance red bow tie mini starter and it was better than stock but not as good as the Hitachi. I added a starter heat wrap to it just for insurance. I think the stock GM mini starters are good too - I have had many new GM pickups and SUVs in the past 10 years and the starters are all faster and quieter than our old lunkers (of course, the new engines help a lot too.)

Mine did that with a ford solenoid, ran the purple start wire to the starter and fixed the overrun