Flexplate and starter misalignment on a L31 swap
 

I either bought the wrong flexplate or a new starter is needed to align properly.

The starter I have is from my 350 that was swapped. The 350 had headers and they were constantly heat soaking the original style starters so I went with this one and it worked great.

Can the starter be used with a different flexplate?

This is the flexplate i have

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-G104SFI

Re: Flexplate and starter misalignment on a L31 swap
 

I just checked with Summit where I bought the flexplate and engine. I was told for that starter I would need a 153 tooth instead like this one.

https://www.summitracing.com/oh/part...make/chevrolet

Hopefully thats accurate, I'll go swap it out soon.

Re: Flexplate and starter misalignment on a L31 swap
 

Some mini starters will work on 153 or 168 tooth flex plates and some as you found out are one or the other. Then you have to get a flex plate for the year of engine you have. The later engines with the one piece rear main take a different one than the early model engines.
Jimmy