removing starter header interference

[73440]

I looked thru some threads about removing starter and header interference.
I'm trying to remove full size starter to replace with mini starter.
The headers will not allow, the exhaust studs are not helping.
Then the headers are hitting on the steering box.

Can I raise the engine by removing just the drivers side engine mount bolt and place a 2x4 and jack under the oil pan to see if that will help before I take a sawzall to them and call TTI?

http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/73440/slideshow/headers

[1 Wild R/T]

How confident are you the mini starter will fit?   In the past I've taken the two through bolts out of the back of the starter & disassembled it to remove it... In my case the mini starter was able to be installed with the proper twisting & angling... I also removed the electrical connector extension from the mini starter....

[73440]

I thought about that with the two bolts while underneath, thought it would still have to slide back and hit the pipe.
Thank you, I will try that next.

[1 Wild R/T]

It takes some p;laying around, I seem to recall I actually took a set of wire cutters & cut the brushes & a connection from the field windings to the battery connection...

[73440]

Still not enough room to remove after taking out the through bolts.
Will try doing some cutting in the starter tomorrow.
The headers have a couple of bad bends that aren't helping.

[soundcontrol]

WHen I had my bigblock cars, I went thru a lot of starters for some reason, I got pretty good at changing them quick. (Once on the side of the freeway, in pouring rain, with a PO's girlfriend in the car.. ). I did it the way to thought about, out with the driver side engine mount bolt, a jack on the driver side of the oilpan, (loosen the header bolts first), up with the engine a bit (not too much though, its got a sweetspot when the header is loose), then its much easier to get the starter out.

[73440]

WHen I had my bigblock cars, I went thru a lot of starters for some reason, I got pretty good at changing them quick. (Once on the side of the freeway, in pouring rain, with a PO's girlfriend in the car.. ). I did it the way to thought about, out with the driver side engine mount bolt, a jack on the driver side of the oilpan, (loosen the header bolts first), up with the engine a bit (not too much though, its got a sweetspot when the header is loose), then its much easier to get the starter out.

I don't have a set of new headers in the garage, trying to resist the urge to get the Sawzall to them.
I do have a set of Mancini motor mounts and could replace the mounts now then.
That may be the way to go now.
The new starter is 2" shorter than the one trying to get out.

[TelisSE440]

Tell us how it went, I want to find a good setup to properly remove my starter too. 

[dodj]

Can I raise the engine by removing just the drivers side engine mount bolt and place a 2x4 and jack under the oil pan to see if that will help

Yup. I usually put the block on the edge of the pan where it bolts up, not right in the middle.

[DocMel]

1. Disconnect collectors from exhaust pipes
2. Remove fan from water pump (So the fan wont crack the top of the shroud)
3. Remove both motor mount bolts
4. I us e a 2 x 6 eive of wood under oil pan. 
5. Jack front of motor up just a couple inches to begin with:  Just enough so that when all the header bolts are off the drivers side, the heades wiggles a bit
6.  Finesse the jack to the piont where you have enough wiggle room to work what you need

If you have enough room below the car, if you disconnect the drivers side steering linkage, you can use the above technique to remove the old starter and header completley out of the car from the bottom.  Just remove the starter bolts, and take the header and old starter out at the same time

You can install the new starter by reversing the procedure

[73440]

1. Disconnect collectors from exhaust pipes
2. Remove fan from water pump (So the fan wont crack the top of the shroud)
3. Remove both motor mount bolts
4. I us e a 2 x 6 eive of wood under oil pan. 
5. Jack front of motor up just a couple inches to begin with:  Just enough so that when all the header bolts are off the drivers side, the heades wiggles a bit
6.  Finesse the jack to the piont where you have enough wiggle room to work what you need

If you have enough room below the car, if you disconnect the drivers side steering linkage, you can use the above technique to remove the old starter and header completley out of the car from the bottom.  Just remove the starter bolts, and take the header and old starter out at the same time

You can install the new starter by reversing the procedure

Thank you, I will probably use this method as I have Mancini mag motor mounts that aren't doing any good just sitting on the shelf.

[73440]

Header removal and starter is now out.

Removed motor mount bolts and Raised motor , but still did not have enough room, worked on it long enough, got my friend Mr Sawzall to help .

Guess time for new headers or go back to the manifold. They were obstructing access and not in real good condition.
Thank you all for your helpful info.

http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/73440/slideshow/header%20starter%20removal

[73440]

Replaced the driver side motor mount with Mancini Mag mount , that went well.

Bought a set of junkyard original exhaust manifolds .
The drivers side arrived tonight about 8:15 , installed, that went on well.
There is room for the original type starter , so a new starter was installed.
Only problem, I pulled the threads in the top starter bolt hole in the bell housing, not totally loose but not right, .
Tightened about a half second too much. Told myself to stop, dag nab it.

I imagine it won't hold up like that with starter stress and vibration.
Thinking of pulling the top bolt out and replacing with a smaller diameter thru bolt and nut.
Any issues with thru bolting ?

[Chryco Psycho]

through bolting will work juat use a high strength grade 8 bolt & some large washers  or you can helicoil the hole , you may have enough room

[73440]

through bolting will work juat use a high strength grade 8 bolt & some large washers  or you can helicoil the hole , you may have enough room

Thank you , will do the thru bolt for now.