[kitcarbp]

Well I finaly assembled my flywheel and bell housing and checked the starter gear mesh to the ring gear. Here is my set up for info. I am using a 6.25" deep cast iron OEM bell housing for 385 series engines, I am using the Ford motorsport Mini starter and the Ford Motorsport 176 tooth flywheel. I also removed the starter solenoid so I could check the mesh. It engages at the right angle and the right depth (toward rear of car) but the clearance between the starter gear tooth tip and and pinion gear root is about 0.050". I found a service bulletin on the net that says it should be 0.020" for all starters and flywheels no matter what type. Even with 0.050" it looks like it has plenty of engagement but I would like to hear what others may have measured for clearance or an experienced engine builder.

Thanks