Oldmanb, Thx for your reply. The flexplate is a 153 cog count and lines up perfectly with the starter pinion. The starter (according to Summit) will fit either a 153 or 168 flexplate. The problem is getting the pinion gear to engage with the flexplate and turn the engine over. Is there a way to shim the pinion gear out from it's relaxed position to get in closer the the flexplate? I am beginning to think I have a faulty starter....