What starter to use for a 1968 Impala, automatic vs standard, how to tell?

Question:

l have a 1968 Impala powered by a 350 engine mated to an automatic. I now plan to install a four-speed setup that I took out of a different Impala years ago. I believe I have every part except for the starter motor. I don’t think I can use the same starter for an automatic and a standard, and since I am mixing and matching parts I am not sure what starter I will need.

Answer:

The key to determining what starter is correct for your conversion is the number of teeth on the flywheel you will use.

The nose of the starter (the part the bolts pass through to attach the starter to the engine block) for a small diameter flywheel (153tooth) has two bolt holes that are directly across from each other and the nose for a large-diameter flywheel (168-tooth) has bolt holes that are diagonal to each other. If your present starter is in good condition, you can reuse it by installing the proper nose to match your flywheel. You can buy the proper nose from a starter motor rebuilder or junkyard.