Quote Originally Posted by aworkinprogress View Post
its the staggered 2 bolt pattern on mine, so does that mean its not the starter that is causing my issue? or is it possible to have to do a hybrid starter like you sometimes have to do with distributors?
If you have the staggered bolt starter and are trying to use on a 153 teeth flex plate, it will be too far away from the starter to engage the teeth. Here's a suggestion. If you don't have it off, remove the torque converter dust cover. Remove the solenoid from the starter. This will allow you to move the starter drive in and out manually. Install the starter. You should be able to see the drive and flex plate. Now, pull the plunger forward until the drive gear is meshed with the flex plate teeth. You should be able to slip a straightened paper clip between the teeth. If you can't, add shims until it just slips in. If the paper clip is loose between the teeth (too much clearance) remove shims. Follow me?

Bob