Starters, mini starters, might want to check this out.

[stellar]

yes, i'm sure your starter guy can figure it out. If the big starter worked without shims then a small one should also. you may want to shim only one side and see what happens. shimming one side will move the gear closer to the center of the flywheel and shimming only the other side will move the starter gear farther away. Not all chineese parts are inferior. Some are of excellent quality and some are junk. I would like to say all chinees stuff is junk, but it wouldn't be true. Just because something is manufactured in China doesn't mean the quality control is suspect. American companies manufacture in China and the parts must still meet specifications. The labor costs are lower there, but if fuel and shipping costs continue to rise I think some of the US manufacturers will start comming home again. Talk to your rebuilder. Not only can he make sure you get a quality part he also has a vast storehouse of knowledge. Sometimes quality costs a little more but it usually only costs more once instead of constantly and causing more damage to other parts costing again, not to mention time. Support your local rebuilder or the only parts left will be the cheap stuff from the big box stores and when the competition is gone the low quality stuff will increase in price. You will also have an experienced ear locally to talk or complain to. Even some of the big catalog companies are selling poor quality parts at inflated prices. Good luck with your starter. Mark