Camaro_Newbie

I Have a 1991 RS Camaro unsure what it was stock when we got it, It had a 383 stroker in it. that was replaced with a 355 chevy small block. We have the fuel problem figured out. When you try to start it seems like the ignition isnt engaging all the way like the starter is kicking in and out. But if you keep trying and holding the key hard it starts normal. could it be the ignition? CLueless any ideas? Could there be some anti-theft deal or anything?

manic

Starter could be out of alignment, gear not meshing good with the
flywheel. Could be timing, very good possiblity. I thought 383's were
mopar, I had a charger once with that in it.,I have heard of folks puttin
those in chevy's though. Never heard of a 355, that must be some name
they stuck to it because its souped up,,

SABL

Manic could very well be correct....GM uses thin metal shims to get the correct clearance between the gear on the starter drive and the flywheel (flexplate if it's an automatic tranny). If shims are needed the starter usually sounds "nasty" .... can't think of a better term....LOL

If it is not a shim problem then you will need to check all the wiring to the starter or even the starter itself...how old is the starter? Try giving the starter a "tap" with a hammer and see if it works.... the brushes could be "hung up". If this is the case then it is time to rebuild it or replace it.

I remember the Mopar 383's (and the 440's). I think the 383 that Newbie is talking about is a modified GM engine ("stroked and bored")...parts are available from Jeg's or any high performance dealer. The same goes for the 355 engine...just not as radical.

Hang in there and let us know how it is going.
SABL

mack1

Hi Camaro_Newbie and welcome to TSF

Check the starter mounting bolts. If they get loose, the starter will be misaligned and cause this problem.

Check for loose wires on the starter and up at the small starter relay where the starter wire form the ignition switch connects. Make sure the large cables are tight also.

A more subtile problem could be at play. If the small gear on the starter gets blunt ends on it's teeth toward the flywheel, sometimes it won't spline into the flywheel. The solenoid that pushes the gear into the flywheel must travel to its full extended position to engage the large current for the starter motor. The heavy contacts are inside the solenoid. With this condition, you will hear a click when you try to start, but the starter won't turn over. Repeatedly trys will normally cause it to engage and start the car. Check for blunt ends on the starter gear. They are normally beveled by more than half the thickness of the teeth. The flywheel gear is also beveled on the side toward the starter, making it easy for the starter gear to spline in. I changed a starter last year on a Ford car that had this problem. Luckly I didn't have to change the flywheel gear ring.

Hope this helps.

Best regards,
Mack1

BUDFAN8

i have also seen on the built chevy motors that factory starters are not good enough. you may need a performance starter if your engine has more compression than the factory came out with.

the 383 stroker was a mix between 350 and 400 (small block chevy) parts. when pieced together right you get 383 cubic in. same way for the 327, 350 parts in your 305. the stroker term was just tagged on them, but all small block chevys are considered stroker engines( old ones anyway). not really sure the formula for coming up with the 355 guess im slipping being a NASCAR fan i know they regulate all cars to have an engine no bigger than 355 ci.

Bud.

SABL

I did a quick calculation to make sure, and I have a 355ci on an engine stand in my "grudge" (that stands for garage for those of you who have never had grease under your fingernails......for Red Green fans "grudge" = "gradge"). My 355 is simply a 350 4-bolt bored .030" over. I'm sure the NASCAR crew chiefs are using a different strategy other than doing a simple "bore job". Poor thing has been on a stand for many years... but it is "bagged" and sealed with all critical surfaces greased for protection.

So.....ummmmm......where'd Newbie go?

BUDFAN8

dunno where he went, maybe he figured it out without us.

SABL i hope they are doing more than just a bore job if not no wonder the Toys are whippin my beloved bowties. and grease under our finger nails? what kind of beasts do you think we are we got those pretty little rubber gloves like the doctors wear (read that last line with lots of sarcasm).


had to edit this in also... you know grease dont stop us from bitein our finger nails either so its hard for grease to get under what little is there.


Bud.