msd mini starter installation help

I have never had to shim a small block Ford starter. The alignment with the ring gear is set by the opening in the block plate between the engine and bellhousing. Front to back clearance is set by the starter nose and also should not need shimming or adjusting. I really don't think shims would work, but would screw up the starter mounting.

This is usually a holdover from instructions for Chevy starters, which can be shimmed down to set or increase clearance from the ring gear teeth.

Most people will say - "it should just fit" and "you won't need a shim"
However not all starters and flywheels are machined to exact and precise tolerances. This will lead to problems with aftermarket parts installation problems.

When I installed my Powermaster high torque gear reduction mini starter I instantly had problems with the bendix rubbing on the flywheel after it had disenegaged. I am using a Hawks Racing 28oz billet steel flywheel.

Using shims on chevy starters is very common but unusual on fords. When I went to the local parts stores they looked at me like I had a hole in my head. After several attempts I located a 0.100" 2 bolt starter shim. I ended up making another trip as I need TWO for my install!

And yes it works great.............so if the say install the shims do it. If you take out the starter and use a flashlight and look at the flywheel it should be very obvious if the two are not agreeing!

I have the Ford Racing mini starter on my 82 Mustang. It fit and lined up ok with a stock 1980 255/C4 bellhousing and blockplate. Its worked for two years.

I have also read posts here about people successfully not using the block plate, which would place the starter nose another couple sixteenths of an inch into the ring gear.

Post your results and a part number, for those of us who may need them in the future.