What starter am I looking for?

[spirockp]

I purchased a 66 Mustang 2 years ago. Nothing was complete, engine was in pieces.

It came with a 157 tooth flywheel that is currenlty installed in the car with the trans as of today. I did not know to check the flywhell at the time of installation. Now when I go to buy a starter the pinon gear is NOT matching up to the flywheel because a stock flywheel has 164 teeth and is a 1/2 of an inch larger. (See I'm learning )

Is there a starter available that I can buy to work with this 157 tooth flywheel and my C-4 trans?

Thanks for the info.

Peter S.

 

[65ShelbyClone]

If you have a bellhousing that is for a 164 tooth flexplate, then you have two options:

1. Pull the transmission and install a 164 tooth flexplate.

2. Pull the transmission and install a 157 tooth-specific bellhousing.

As far as I know, there is no "conversion" starter.

 

[spirockp]

I was afraid you were going to tell me that. When you say bellhousing I think of a manual trans. I have an auto C-4 trans, so I believe my only option is to install a new 164 tooth flywheel.

Again thanks for the info.

Peter S.

 

[spirockp]

Hey, is there no pinion gear that I can swap out that is 1/2 an inch bigger?

 

[65ShelbyClone]

I was afraid you were going to tell me that. When you say bellhousing I think of a manual trans. I have an auto C-4 trans, so I believe my only option is to install a new 164 tooth flywheel.

Fortunately C4s have removable bellhousings(some automatics do not) so you still have the two options. Heck, the C4 that came out of my '68 may be a 157 tooth.

As for changing the starter gear, I've never heard of it being done. It might put more stress on your starter motor too, but try researching it as I know nothing about doing it.