Original Starter Question '74 BB 454

[Victor S.]

Hi Everyone! Just trying to determine if my starter is the original starter. The part number is 1108400...Build date on it is 3B28 (February 28, 1973).

Is this starter the correct part for my build date: Assembly date April 30, 1974?

FYI The starter doesn't look like it has ever been replaced and the car is low mileage.

[Mark E.]

Re: Original Starter Question '74 BB 454

1108400 is the starter for most 69-74 big blocks with 4 speeds.

A span of 14 months between the starter and car build dates is a bit long, but probably within the realm of possibility. Other members may have a more definitive opinion about that.

[Dick W.]

Re: Original Starter Question '74 BB 454

1108400 is the starter for most 69-74 big blocks with 4 speeds.

A span of 14 months between the starter and car build dates is a bit long, but probably within the realm of possibility. Other members may have a more definitive opinion about that.

I agree with you Mark on the 14 months but given the very low production of 454 4 speed cars it is very possible. Butttttttt..........try to convince a judge that it is original is another story. You would need irrefutable provenance

[Russ S.]

Re: Original Starter Question '74 BB 454

Good point Dick. In 74 there were few 454-4 speeds.

I agree with you Mark on the 14 months but given the very low production of 454 4 speed cars it is very possible. Butttttttt..........try to convince a judge that it is original is another story. You would need irrefutable provenance

[Don H.]

Re: Original Starter Question '74 BB 454

Whatever you do, don't change it. If the judge can even read the date he might take 1 point deduct for date.
Don't sweat 1 point. Keep the origie part!

[Mark E.]

Re: Original Starter Question '74 BB 454

US auto manufacturers and their suppliers were known for inefficient batch and queue manufacturing practices. These drove large buffers of inventories and long lead times. Toyota used their Toyota Production System as a competitive advantage to these inefficiencies and consistently beat Detroit in cost, quality, and delivery.

For us this means exceptions to our standard six month rule for GM lead times is not uncommon.