[SSSammy]

Rick, I got a call back from the chief engineer at Tilton yesterday. My problem is too much gap .. so shims are not the solution. He said with .325" engagement of a .40" wide ring gear it might be ok and that I ought to try it and see before heading to the machine shop.

He says maximum engagement is good, though. If I want to close the gap some more, he said the only thing to do is take the face plate off the starter (the part with the Ford 3 hole pattern) and have it put on a lathe and machine around the circumference of the registration ring. I could take off .075" to get it to engage the full width of the gear, for instance.

The motor is completely installed and ready to light. I did zero the bellhousing with a dial indicator and welded the block pin collars in place. I am inclined to crank it up, but am still thinking it over.

PMing you my cell number.

Thanks for the help!
Sam