[RICK LAKE]

Kramer Having the starter bolted to the block plate is a ball park measurement. If the pin holes are tight to the block pins then you are close with getting the correct air gap of the ring gear to the flywheel teeth. The old numbers has been .035"-.050" this is min and max. The flywheel may also be not 100% spinning true on the crank shaft. Another thing to take into account is the end play of the crank shaft. We never checked this. This could be from .005" up to .020". The easy way I have found is the check 4 spots at 90 degrees on the flywheel and engage the bendix. If you have the correct clearance, bolt it up. If not make have to play some more. Old picture show a complete engagement of teeth to flywheel, just looks light on depth. I know you want to keep the OEM setup for the starter, but a gear reduction starter may be the better way to go. A paper clip is about .032" for an easy check or wire coat hanger, they are a little thicker. Rick L.