1965 L-78 Starter GM #1108352

[Joe L.]

As part of some research I did in connection with another thread, I came up with some interesting information regarding the above-referenced that some of you folks might not be aware of.

I'm sure that folks looking for a starter frame with the 1108352 number stamped on it know that they are difficult to find. Could it be that the 1108352 starter was used only for 1965 Corvettes with L-78? The answer to that question is no; it was used for other applications. However, for the 1965 model year it was used only for the Corvette L-78 application. So, 1108352 starters with correct dates for a 1965 L-78 would have to have originally resided on a 1965 Corvette L-78 (1965 passenger cars with L-78 did not use this starter) OR have been a SERVICE starter manufactured during the 1965 PRODUCTION period.

So, what were the other applications of the 1108352 starter? These were 1968-73 Cadillac Eldorado and 1973 GMC motor home chassis with 455 cid engine. Of course, none of these applications could provide an 1108352 starter correctly dated for a 1965 Corvette L-78. But, they could serve as donor for an 1108352 starter. So, if you find an 1108352 with a 1968-73 date, you'll know where it most like originally resided, assuming it was not originally a SERVICE starter.

[Edward S.]

Re: 1965 L-78 Starter GM #1107352

Two years ago I sent John Pirkle a part I wanted restored - after a long period of time had gone by I received a letter from the Post Office in Atlanta that they had found a "empty" box in thier distribution center.
I called John to order a new one and he had none with a correct date for my 65 L78 - we started to talk about parts that are really drying up and hard to find. I remember he told me that I was luckey I did not need a starter - as in all the years he had been in business he had only seen two of them live. You can think how long John has been in business to understand how rare they are.

[Joe C.]

Re: 1965 L-78 Starter GM #1107352

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[Joe L.]

Re: 1965 L-78 Starter GM #1107352

Two years ago I sent John Pirkle a part I wanted restored - after a long period of time had gone by I received a letter from the Post Office in Atlanta that they had found a "empty" box in thier distribution center.
I called John to order a new one and he had none with a correct date for my 65 L78 - we started to talk about parts that are really drying up and hard to find. I remember he told me that I was luckey I did not need a starter - as in all the years he had been in business he had only seen two of them live. You can think how long John has been in business to understand how rare they are.

Ed------


I expect that the majority of the 1107352 starter frames are out there "circulating" in the "re-manufactured starter world". Many were probably separated from the car they were originally installed on and turned in as a core for a rebuilt starter. Hardly anyone (except guys like me) ever purchased a NEW starter and/or kept their original core.

By now, they may have "gone around the block" several times since starter frames are just about the only "indestructible" and "immortal" part of a starter. So, they've probably taken on several new "identities" and where they're at now, nobody knows! But, they're out there.

[Tony S.]

Re: 1965 L-78 Starter GM #1107352

When I sent my original '65 1107352 starter to John to restore 2-1/2 years ago, he told me to insure it for $5000! That's how rare John thought it was.

[Larry E.]

Re: 1965 L-78 Starter GM #1107352

Was that starter also used on the rare M22 1966's?
Larry

[Joe L.]

Re: 1965 L-78 Starter GM #1107352

Was that starter also used on the rare M22 1966's?
Larry

Larry------


I expect that "IK" suffix-coded L-72 engines were also equipped with the 3858403 bellhousings, 12-3/4" flywheels, and 10-1/2" clutch. With this combination, I believe they would have been equipped with the 1107352 starter. They might also have been equipped with the 1108351 starter. As far as I can tell, those 2 starter are functionally identical and both existed at that time.

[Philip C.]

Re: 1965 L-78 Starter GM #1107352

Larry------


I expect that "IK" suffix-coded L-72 engines were also equipped with the 3858403 bellhousings, 12-3/4" flywheels, and 11-1/2" clutch. With this combination, I believe they would have been equipped with the 1108352 starter. They might also have been equipped with the 1108351 starter. As far as I can tell, those 2 starter are functionally identical and both existed at that time.

Hi Joe, I would think those later 352 starters would come with the Phillips head screws on the side of the starter case, and be judged restamped. The 403 bell will not go over a 11 1/2 clutch. Phil 8063

[Joe L.]

Re: 1965 L-78 Starter GM #1107352

Hi Joe, I would think those later 352 starters would come with the Phillips head screws on the side of the starter case, and be judged restamped. The 403 bell will not go over a 11 1/2 clutch. Phil 8063

Phil-----


Yes, I mis-typed. The clutch should read 10-1/2" NOT 11-1/2". I've corrected it. As a matter of fact, I don't think Chevrolet ever even used an 11-1/2" clutch, at least for any passenger car. As I'm sure you know but for others that might not, the 403 bellhousing won't work for 11" clutches, either.

Also, you are correct. The 1107352 would have used the slotted style field shoe screws and the 1108351 would have used the phillips head style screws.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1965 L-78 Starter GM #1107352

When I sent my original '65 1108352 starter to John to restore 2-1/2 years ago, he told me to insure it for $5000! That's how rare John thought it was.

Anthony------

...and, I would say that an 1107352 could be considered "common" as compared to an 1108351.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1965 L-78 Starter GM #1107352

All------


In another thread we discussed the 1108351 starter that was used for 1967-69 L-88, 1969 ZL-1, and some or all 1970-72 ZR-1. I mentioned there that I could find no difference in the component parts or specifications between the 1107352 and the 1108351.

I did some further checking and there was a difference in one of the specifications between the two starters. That is the free speed test specification. The 1107352 had a free speed test specification of 3600-5100 RPM; the 1108351 had a free speed test specification of 7800-12000 RPM. Just how this difference in specifications was achieved with no difference in internal parts between the two starters I have no idea.

By the way, I also erred in the title of this thread. The 1965 L-78 starter part number should be 1107352 and NOT 1108352. It's too late to edit it now, so I'll just post the correction here.

[Wayne M.]

Re: 1965 L-78 Starter GM #1107352

All------


In another thread we discussed the 1108351 starter that was used for 1967-69 L-88, 1969 ZL-1, and some or all 1970-72 ZR-1. I mentioned there that I could find no difference in the component parts or specifications between the 1107352 and the 1108351.

I did some further checking and there was a difference in one of the specifications between the two starters. That is the free speed test specification. The 1107352 had a free speed test specification of 3600-5100 RPM; the 1108351 had a free speed test specification of 7800-12000 RPM. Just how this difference in specifications was achieved with no difference in internal parts between the two starters I have no idea....

Joe -- my source (Delco Remy Test Specifications DR-324S-2) shows NO spec difference between the '7352' and the '8351'.

The '7352' shows no series or type in those columns; the '8351' shows 10MT and type 125, respectively. Both call for service bulletin IM-151; rotation CW; spec No. 3563; No Load Test (volts 9, min amps 65, max amps 95, min RPM 7500, max RPM 10500).

I agree with you in that there seems to be no difference in internal parts.

[Dick W.]

Re: 1965 L-78 Starter GM #1107352

Made the correction for you Joe

[Joe L.]

Re: 1965 L-78 Starter GM #1107352

Made the correction for you Joe

Dick------


Thanks! This was a very embarrassing mistake for me. I am ashamed of myself. I'm VERY glad you corrected it for me. I hate the idea of a mistake like that remaining in the archives.

Also, if you could, please delete the last paragraph of my original post in this thread. That is "accurate but of no relevance". The 1108352 was the starter used for the El Dorado and GMC motorhome applications but the 1108352 is obviously NOT the same as the 1107352 used for 1965 Corvettes with L-78. So, the 1107352 was unique to the Corvette application.

[Dick W.]

Re: 1965 L-78 Starter GM #1107352

Only thing I could not fix was the title