Pulled the engine on the Avanti to re-seal it, and at the same time, install the conversion to a TH700R4 transmission. I bought the kit for this conversion about 8 years ago, and also purchased a starter to go with it at the same time. The instructions say to use a starter made for an '88-'89 Ford Ranger, with 2.8L V-6 engine, so that is what I bought. I fine it does not fit in the hole provided in the adaptor plate, it is about 1/4" too big. Also, one bolt hole is not in the correct place. Since I bought the starter so long ago, I just ordered another one, thinking I had messed up that order years ago. Not so, the new one I just got is just like the first one I bought, and does not fit in the hole.
I found instructions with the adaptor kit showed the name of "Meyers Studebaker Parts" (could not find the receipt), so I called them. Also, the instructions talked about an aluminum adaptor plate, and the one provided is made of steel. They gave me the part # for the starter they use, and it interchanges with what I bought. They also said that someone else had copied their adaptor, and sold it with their instructions, making it hard to tell if what I have is from them or from someone else. There is a decal on the steel plate that say's something like "Tec Products", or something like that, I don't have it near me at the moment to check.
So, does anyone have any knowledge of what I am dealing with, and what starter might fit this thing. The flange on the starter(s) that I bought is about 4", whereas the hole is only about 3 3/4" in size. (The adaptor plate has a centering plate bolted and pined to it, that will center the trans to the engine, so that is not a problem.)
By the way, this car has about 68k miles on it, and the condition of the engine is perplexing, to say the least. I don't think it has ever been apart before, and inside, it is clean as a whistle. However, the felt front crank seal is almost non-existent (I'll replace with a real seal), and the half circle gasket at the bottom of the timing cover, has pulled away from the block on both sides, leaving about a 1/4" hole directly into the sump area. No wonder it leaked like a sieve. All over gaskets seem fine and dry (but I'll replace all anyway). The rear main seal MAY be leaking, it's hard to tell with all the oil mess under there, so I plan to replace it as well.
Any information on the correct starter to use will be greatly appreciated. Oh, and any recommendations on installing rack and pinion steering are also appreciated. (Maybe an electric rack, and get rid of the leaking PS pump?)
I found instructions with the adaptor kit showed the name of "Meyers Studebaker Parts" (could not find the receipt), so I called them. Also, the instructions talked about an aluminum adaptor plate, and the one provided is made of steel. They gave me the part # for the starter they use, and it interchanges with what I bought. They also said that someone else had copied their adaptor, and sold it with their instructions, making it hard to tell if what I have is from them or from someone else. There is a decal on the steel plate that say's something like "Tec Products", or something like that, I don't have it near me at the moment to check.
So, does anyone have any knowledge of what I am dealing with, and what starter might fit this thing. The flange on the starter(s) that I bought is about 4", whereas the hole is only about 3 3/4" in size. (The adaptor plate has a centering plate bolted and pined to it, that will center the trans to the engine, so that is not a problem.)
By the way, this car has about 68k miles on it, and the condition of the engine is perplexing, to say the least. I don't think it has ever been apart before, and inside, it is clean as a whistle. However, the felt front crank seal is almost non-existent (I'll replace with a real seal), and the half circle gasket at the bottom of the timing cover, has pulled away from the block on both sides, leaving about a 1/4" hole directly into the sump area. No wonder it leaked like a sieve. All over gaskets seem fine and dry (but I'll replace all anyway). The rear main seal MAY be leaking, it's hard to tell with all the oil mess under there, so I plan to replace it as well.
Any information on the correct starter to use will be greatly appreciated. Oh, and any recommendations on installing rack and pinion steering are also appreciated. (Maybe an electric rack, and get rid of the leaking PS pump?)
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