[Coloradocobra]

The only problem I have had with my stock starter is that between machining and my Lakewood housing, the starter was too close to the flywheel. I caught the problem very early and installed a standard Ford style starter shim (.010" thick). Have not had a problem since. Before you tear up that fancy new starter, check your flange to flywheel gear distance and ensure that the starter gear will not engage too deeply. My starter was a Bosch rebuilt and my engine builder has had much better luck with those than starters from the big chains.

Gary