1986 GMC to 1998 Tahoe starter swap

[Dannyboy1966]

Some words of wisdom, and experience about taking that old 20 pound hunk of junk off the side of your sb 350 or 305 and replacing it with the starter for a 98 Chevy Tahoe. First the weight and size difference, it only weighs 8 pounds, and is about half the size, thanks to it being a gear reduction starter, the mounting head is pretty much the same size as your old one. Next you will notice it will almost spin your engine out from under the hood. Now as for buying the new starter auto parts stores will look at you like you are crazy, swear it won't fit, But if you do your research on line comparing the two you'll find out it fits. Now for the install. 1) your old mounting bolts are too long. You can either pick up some in the help supplies for a 98 Tahoe, or just go to a hardware store and get you a couple 3/8 x 16 x 4 inch Grade 8 bolts, and 2 washers to fit, this method was way cheaper than the parts store. 2) You will need to replace the small eyelet on the wire to your "S" terminal, your old one is just a hair too small. 3) If you have headers figure out how your going to install your wires before your on the ground, as the new terminals are in a slightly different angle than your old starter, and will be touching your headers . Hope this was helpful to someone out there. Rock on and enjoy that square body.