[crazy longhorn]

bmg, Bobs 409 posted that info, but 168 t takes a staggered pattern on th e starter. the 153 t takes a straight pattern. If you have them mixed(small flex plate,& staggered pattern starter)....I doubt that the drive on the starter would even touch the flexplate. I beleive that a lot of the problems are due to the machining on the bottom of the block, & starter housing as well(factory tolorences). I have seen many smallblocks that needed 3-5 shims under the outside bolt only to get them close enough to the flexplate. For a quick check, a 1/8" rod should slide tween the OD of the flexplate,& the armature shaft of the starter(not loose, but not tight). If its too loose, shim the outer bolt only. if its too tight, shim under both bolts to bring it to spec. Good luck.....crazyL