This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the starter motor on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette with 327ci V8 engine, including disconnection of electrical connections and proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Starter motor × 1 — Use OEM specification or GM 1107365 interchange
• Starter shims (if needed) × 1 — 0.015" thickness typical

Preparation

1. Park the vehicle on level ground and apply the parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
3. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands.
4. Disconnect the negative battery cable and isolate it from the battery post.
5. If equipped, remove any heat shields protecting the starter area.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the starter motor
   From underneath the vehicle on the passenger's side, locate the starter motor mounted to the lower portion of the bellhousing where the engine meets the transmission. The starter will be positioned on the passenger side of the engine block near the oil pan.
2. 2

   Remove heat shield if equipped
   If your Corvette is equipped with a starter heat shield, remove the mounting bolts securing it to the bellhousing or starter. Set the heat shield aside for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Heat Shield Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect the solenoid battery cable
   Locate the large battery cable (B+) connected to the solenoid stud on the starter. Using a 1/2" wrench, remove the nut securing this cable and carefully move the cable aside. Note the cable routing for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Starter Solenoid Nut12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect the ignition wire
   Disconnect the smaller solenoid trigger wire (S terminal) from the solenoid. This wire comes from the ignition switch and engages the starter solenoid. On 1966 models, this may be a push-on connector or a small nut connection.
5. 5

   Remove the upper starter mounting bolt
   Using a 9/16" socket with extension, remove the upper starter mounting bolt. This bolt threads into the bellhousing. Support the starter with one hand as you remove this bolt.
   Torque spec

   Starter Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove the lower starter mounting bolt
   Remove the lower starter mounting bolt using a 9/16" socket. The lower bolt may require a longer extension to access. This bolt may also thread into the bellhousing or engine block depending on starter configuration.
   Torque spec

   Starter Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove the starter motor
   Carefully lower the starter motor away from the bellhousing, tilting the nose downward to clear the engine and surrounding components. The starter weighs approximately 15 pounds, so maintain a firm grip. Inspect the starter mounting surface and flywheel ring gear teeth for wear or damage.
8. 8

   Prepare mounting surfaces
   Clean the starter mounting surfaces on the bellhousing using a wire brush. Remove any corrosion, old gasket material, or debris. Check that the starter mounting bolt holes are clean and threads are in good condition. Apply a small amount of anti-seize to the bolt threads if desired.
9. 9

   Install the new starter motor
   Position the new starter motor to the bellhousing, aligning the mounting holes. Tilt the nose upward to guide it into position. Ensure the starter drive gear has proper clearance to the flywheel ring gear (approximately 0.020" gap, set with starter shims as needed). If shims were present on the original starter, install them in the same position on the new unit.
10. 10

    Install starter mounting bolts
    Thread in both starter mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper alignment. Using a 9/16" socket and torque wrench, tighten both bolts to specification in a cross-pattern (alternating between upper and lower). The longer bolt may require an extension for access.
    Torque spec

    Starter Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect ignition wire
    Reconnect the small purple wire (S terminal) to the solenoid. If equipped with a nut, snug it firmly by hand. Ensure the connection is clean and secure.
12. 12

    Reconnect battery cable to solenoid
    Position the large battery cable (B+) onto the solenoid stud. Install the retaining nut and tighten to specification using a 1/2" wrench and torque wrench. Ensure the cable terminal makes full contact with the stud.
    Torque spec

    Starter Solenoid Nut12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall heat shield if equipped
    If your vehicle was equipped with a starter heat shield, reinstall it using the original mounting bolts. Tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

    Heat Shield Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery post.
2. Lower the vehicle from jack stands.
3. Remove wheel chocks.

Verification

• Turn the ignition key to the START position and verify the starter engages smoothly and cranks the engine without grinding or unusual noises.
• Listen for proper engagement and disengagement of the starter drive with the flywheel.
• Check that there are no unusual clicking sounds from the solenoid, which would indicate a poor connection or insufficient voltage.
• Verify that all electrical connections are secure and there is no arcing or sparking at the solenoid terminals.
• After starting the engine, check for any abnormal noises from the starter area that might indicate improper clearance between the starter drive and flywheel ring gear.

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