Starter and flexplate question / problem

[SS68]

I have a starter grinding noise that I have been trying to resolve for the past two weekends, after reading several threads. I understand the size difference between the 168 /153 tooth flexplates. I have tried shimming the starter. But after several attempts I have grinded down the teeth of the flexplate so it will be getting replaced now. And here's the question...
If my starter bolts up using the diagonal bolt holes on the block then I should use a 168 tooth flexplate. Which is what's in there now. However, if I pull the starter gear out it hits the flexplate. So my thoughts are to replace it with a 158 tooth smaller one. Will this work? Does it matter its a 350 pre 1979 block according to the casting numbers with a 700r4. So can I use the a 158 tooth flexplate with the starter I currently have or am I missing/ doing something wrong.
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