Early '69 Starter and Solenoid Question

[Kevin S.]

My engine build date according to the engine block stamp pad is October 30, 1968. L-46 350 / 350 4-speed with AC.

To be NCRS correct, I believe that I need starter 1108338 (1969 350 manual) with 8 K and day of the week (1968 October). I bought a starter with 1108361 and 8 K23 date which I think might also be NCRS correct for this car, assumption being that Delco-Remy and / or Corvette may have been using up already made and ready to install starters for early 1969 model year cars. Using up already existing inventory would make sense to me.

I cannot quite make sense of the 8 K23 (1968 October 23) date on a 1108361 starter (1968 327 and 350 with manual transmission) unless Delco-Remy was just that far ahead of Corvette assembly line production? The 1969 model year production started in August (H), right?

Am I okay with either 1108361 1968 starter with a 8 K23 date or a 1969 1108338 starter with 8 K day of the week? I'm not sure, I keep going in circles and just get confused.

Also, what is the correct solenoid part number to use for this 350 / 350 manual? Would the same solenoid PN be used for 1108338 and 1108361 since they are both small block 350's with manual transmissions. My NCRS book (5th edition) shows a photo of what looks like part number 1114503. End of the solenoid has Delco-Remy logo, Made in USA, embossed DB, R, and S. I guess as long as I get a solenoid with all of the right embossed stamped information on the end, I should be good to go, right...and that it is a solenoid for a small block 350 manual.

[Kevin S.]

Re: Early '69 Starter and Solenoid Question

Additional information.

Can anyone tell me if solenoid PN 1114458 is the correct solenoid for a L-46 350 / 350 with manual transmission?

I believe there is also a PN 1114503 photo in the NCRS book but I am guessing that might be for a 427 and goes with the BB starters listed on P. 201 of my 5th edition NCRS book.

I need to source a starter and solenoid and I just want to put the right ones on this restoration.

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Kevin

[Mike E.]

Re: Early '69 Starter and Solenoid Question

A couple of thoughts, hopefully helpful. The assembly date of your engine is inconsequential in dating components/accessories. The assembly date of the car is far more important. The starter was installed at St. Louis, so it can be dated before or after the assembly date of the engine--just needs to be before the assembly of the car.

Getting a judge to buy your "assumption" won't happen. If your car was a low-mileage original, it might lend some credence, but since it is a starter you purchased for the car--good luck.

We have looked at a fair number of early original 69's over the years--if 8361 starters have shown up on those cars, it would be reflected in the manual.

8361's likely were used on another GM product, and the starter you have could very possibly not have come on a Corvette.

You need to find a properly dated 8338.

FWIW.

[Kevin S.]

Re: Early '69 Starter and Solenoid Question

Hey Mike,
Your note was very helpful indeed. Thank you. Got a chuckle out of the second paragraph...."good luck". thanks for the smile.

I'm on the hunt for an 1108338 starter with a correct date that I can use. And, 1114458 solenoid which I think is correct for my car.

Appreciate your note and comments - thank you.

Kevin