1970 Starter Number Question

[Mark R.]

The 4th Edition of the 1970-1972 TIM&JG indicates a 1970 350ci with an automatic transmission should have a Delco Remy Starter, with model number 1108427 or 1108430; while, a 350ci with a manual transmission should have a Delco Remy Starter, with model number 1108338.

My 1970 350ci/300hp, with an automatic transmission, vin. 00028, an original un-restored 15,000 mile car, has a Delco Remy Starter with model number 1108338 and a date code of 9M12 4 (December 12, 1969). This date is consistent with the car's build date of A05 (January 5, 1970, first day of 1970 production.)

Is this an anomaly or evidence the assembly line workers were not paying close attention to starter model numbers, when installing the starters? I'd be interested to know how consistent the starter model numbers are regarding the application on original un-restored cars.

Mark

[Joe L.]

Re: 1970 Starter Number Question

The 4th Edition of the 1970-1972 TIM&JG indicates a 1970 350ci with an automatic transmission should have a Delco Remy Starter, with model number 1108427 or 1108430; while, a 350ci with a manual transmission should have a Delco Remy Starter, with model number 1108338.

My 1970 350ci/300hp, with an automatic transmission, vin. 00028, an original un-restored 15,000 mile car, has a Delco Remy Starter with model number 1108338 and a date code of 9M12 4 (December 12, 1969). This date is consistent with the car's build date of A05 (January 5, 1970, first day of 1970 production.)

Is this an anomaly or evidence the assembly line workers were not paying close attention to starter model numbers, when installing the starters? I'd be interested to know how consistent the starter model numbers are regarding the application on original un-restored cars.

Mark

Mark-------


I think the key here is the very early build date of your car.

The GM #1108338 starter was used for 1969 Corvettes with 350 cid and manual or THM-400 transmission. For 1970, things changed. The GM #1108338 continued to be used for 350 cid and manual transmission application but the 1108427 or 1108430 were used for 350 cid and THM-400.

So what was the difference between the 1108338 and the 1108427/1108430? Well, all were standard torque starters but the 1108338 used a cast iron nose and the 1108427/1108430 used an aluminum nose with 2 long bolt retention, first used on Corvettes for the 1970 model year.

The aluminum starter nose (2 long belt retention) was designed to work with the GM #3952661 underpan and 1970 configuration THM-400 transmission case. The cast iron starter nose was designed to work with the GM #3868810 underpan and 1968-69 THM-400 transmission case configuration (as well as most manual trans applications).

It's possible that the cast iron starter nose (which you should have on your 1108338 starter) will work with the 1970 transmission case configuration and GM #3952661 underpan. I've never tried it so I can't say one way or the other. However, I more suspect that your early 1970 was built with the 1969 underpan and transmission.

[Mark R.]

Re: 1970 Starter Number Question

Joe:

Thanks so much for the insightful and informative response to my inquiry. I will attempt to photograph the starter, the transmission case and underpan to see if in fact these are from the 1969 model year production. If successful, I will post the photos for your and others review.

Best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving !

Mark

[Chuck S.]

Re: 1970 Starter Number Question

Mark, have you checked out the engine build info stamped onto the front of the RH head/block interface?

It would be interesting to study the engine build date and the suffix. Some interesting things happened at the start up and close out of model year production, and yours was truly one of the first 70s built.