Is it really only an 1/8" that the nose needs to be toward the trans.? Not positive but does it seem like you could grind a 1/16 off of both mating surfaces pretty easily? I think the starter I use (15-1 compression) from Napa are about $60.00 or so. I wouldn't hesitate to grind on it. I have to shim my starter towards the engine on my race car. I didn't like the idea of shims or washers in the crank flange equation.
The ring gear is to big (1/8) to be pressed on the back side, wheel machined smaller on the back then at the front (why would they do that?)
I have the same starter, used it on a 15-1 engine too. Junk yard Dakata one, the one I would like to use.
I have the 440 flywheel that I got the ring gear off (back, toward engine) and compared the distance between the two wheels from crank flange. 9/16 to the edge where the starter would first engage.
Bingo, just thought of using a 1/2 inch mid plate-spacer (not where the starter bolts up), that might get me off easy. Im gonna check now
Cap, if there's no starter that will work, that's the other option, buy a wheel made for the 440 (8 bolt) with 11"-143 teeth on the back side.
Starter-flywheel-bell housing, whichever will be $350-500
