Stefs oil pan/starter will not fit!

I just went to put my starter in after building my longblock and it is hitting the oil pan. The starter is a Ford racing mini starter and smaller than sotck ,so I was hoping it would fit. No luck. Can I beat the $700 oil pan, or should I send it back to summit and get a starter that has adjustable positions?

jrichker said:

There is no no starter with a mounting postion other than stock. Replace the oil pan or contact the oil pan manufacturer and see what they have to say.

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Actually, I was told there was by my neighbor. I just don't know if that is what I need... Here is one at Summit Racing:


SUM-820055 $149.95
Estimated Ship Date: Today
Application Suggested Parts Repair Parts Warranty Show All

Brand: Summit
Product Line: Summit Protorque Starters
Starter Style: Mini
Starter Finish: Natural
Adjustable Mounting Block: Yes
Starter Rotation: Standard
Maximum Recommended Compression Ratio: 12.0:1
Gear Reduction Ratio: 4.40:1
Mounting Block Material: Billet aluminum
Quantity: Sold individually.

Starter, Mini, Ford, 221-302/351W, Each

Check to make sure this part fits your application
Racecar cranking power.
Summit's lightweight Nippondenso-type Protorque starters offer a 4.0:1 gear-reduction ratio and a whopping 1.9 HP. That's 222 ft.-lbs of racecar cranking power. If that's not enough, there are even more powerful 3.1 HP monsters, which are a pound lighter! They have a 4.44:1 reduction ratio and churn out an awesome 342 ft.-lbs. of torque. Both of these powerhouses are suitable for engines up to 502 c.i.d., and compression ratios of up to 18.0:1. GM versions are adjustable for four mounting positions; Ford types, for 18. A gold dichromate finish prevents corrosion and electrical shorts on both.

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Stef's web site is not working and it must not be indexed on Summit's page. The oil pan is the expensive (ugh) one made for Fox-body Mustangs... It actually uses 3 studs on the passenger side inside the pan. You have 3 access holes... Tahts another post though...


I guess I should ask Stef's what to do. I DO NOT want to have to take the pan off though. I just put the engine in the car last night... Doh!

Well, I got the starter in, but.... When I lower the engine in the bay, the pan hits the k-frame or whatever it's called.

Can I notch that frame? If so, how far can I notch it?

The bottom of the pan is (of course) wider than stock, but it's about 3 inches away from the fram on the drivers side, and resting on the pan on the passenger side.

Anyone here have a Stef's oil pan and have clearance issues?