Well my engine will be home shortly and I keep forgetting things I need to buy BUT I am stumped on the last few things I will need.Now the engine didnt come with a starter so I dont know which one to buy..I looked through a few sites and I know that that chevy used 2 different flex plates...( I have both here..) but when looking they dont ask about how many teeth are on the flex plate..will it matter..?
Small flex plate had 153 teeth and used a starter with a long and short bolt straight across from each other. The larger 168 tooth flexplate used a starter with two long bolts that were staggered.
Next thing, make sure the flexplate matches the engine, neutral or externally balanced. You could have some harmonic issues later.
The flexplate diameter (tooth count) will not matter to the ENGINE, but some are for externally ballanced engines and some are for internally ballanced engines. How your engine is ballanced WILL make a difference as to which type of flexplate you use. (posted above) The diameter of the flexplate might make a difference as to which transmission you are using. Some bellhousings will not be large enough for the larger diameter.
Cheap SB starter for the 153 flexplate (inline starter holes used) is the factory 94-95 LT1 starter, gear reduction and work much better than the older permanent magnet style. I have found them new for $75 and under.
drptop70ss is right on there... I bought new chrome LT1 starters for 99 bucks . And never had a problem with one. Fast starts and got the shine to boot!