1973 454 starter question.

[Ken K.]

I have a LS4 with a 4 speed. The starter number should be 1108400. Will a 1108429 work? If not what is wrong with it? Is it the mounting nose that only fits with an automatic?
I just do not want to spend $500 or more for a correct starter.

[Michael W.]

Re: 1973 454 starter question.

Ken,

The original numbers stamped on the outside of an old rebuilt starter are pretty well meaningless when it comes to being able to determine the present day configuration and applicability.

Without careful examination of the nose and internals, there's no way to be sure that a given starter will fit and work.

Rebuilding outfits tend to mix and match during the rebuild process, a 35 year old starter has probably been through quite a few shop visits.

The numbers are only important for judging purposes, not sure if $500 for a correct one is good value for money.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1973 454 starter question.

I have a LS4 with a 4 speed. The starter number should be 1108400. Will a 1108429 work? If not what is wrong with it? Is it the mounting nose that only fits with an automatic?
I just do not want to spend $500 or more for a correct starter.

Ken-----


If you can post a picture of the starter, I'd likely be able to give you more definitive answer. However, I'll provide this info now.

As Mike mentions, the numbers stamped on the starter frame mean absolutely nothing if the starter has been through a commercial rebuilding operation or if it's been otherwise previously modified. If the nose on the starter is cast iron and it attaches to the block with two 3-5/8" bolts, then it will work for your application.

If the nose is aluminum AND attaches with two 4-21/32" starter bolts (as the 1108429 starter was originally configured), it MAY work. This is a starter configuration that was not used in PRODUCTION with manual trans applications. However, I THINK it will work. I have wondered about this for YEARS but never got around to trying it. So, if your starter is configured with such a nose, I would love for you to try it, let me know how it works, and, mercifully, end my years of wondering about this.

[Ken K.]

Re: 1973 454 starter question.

What I am trying to do is buy a 1108429 and before I buy it I wanted to know if it would work. I can buy it for less than $75.. Here is a picture.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1973 454 starter question.

What I am trying to do is buy a 1108429 and before I buy it I wanted to know if it would work. I can buy it for less than $75.. Here is a picture.

Ken-----


This is NOT the starter nose that the GM #1108429 was originally equipped with. However, based upon what I can see of it, it should work perfectly for you.

However, if you're not really concerned about "numbers" (i.e. the 1108429 is not a correct number for your application, anyway), why pay $75 for this used starter of uncertain condition? Go get yourself a GM #1876552, aka Delco #323-254. This is a high quality, rebuilt starter that GM lists for $143.22, but should be available through Delco dealers for about 80 bucks, or so.

You can also go with a lower quality rebuilt Delco starter of GM #19136179, aka Delco #336-1870, which GM lists for $83.34 and should be available through Delco dealers for about 50 bucks. I'd spend the extra bucks for the 1876552, though. It's right in the same ballpark as you're willing to spend for a used starter that's not numbers-correct for your car, anyway.

[Ken K.]

Re: 1973 454 starter question.

Thank you for all of the info.