350 starters and flexplates

[ttbiker]

Hi everyone, I recently picked up a '76 CJ7 with no engine, trans, t-case, or driveshafts. I have decided to put in a chevy 350 and th350. I already bought my transmission and Dana 20 t-case. Now I am trying to figure out the flexplate and torque converter. The converter I want uses the larger mount pattern for the 168 tooth flexplate. I know that I can get a flexplate that will fit, so that's not an issue.
The problem is I don't know if all the blocks have the starter mount pattern for that flexplate. Due to the lack of options at my local wrecking yards, the only engine I can get is a early 90's and up.
So, my question is do all the blocks of that time have both starter patterns? This may be a silly question, but ive always driven fords, so I have no idea how the Chevy blocks are set up.
Due to my terrible schedule the wrecking yards are always closed when im off work. So, I havn't been able to just go and look. I will literally have to take a one day "vacation" just to pick up the engine when I'm ready. I've already looked up the original starter for a mid 90's half ton, and the original is for the small flexplate.
I'm kinda stalled on acquiring my parts now until I figure this out. I've spent hours on google trying to find out, but there just doesn't seem to be a straight answer.
Any help is appreciated, thanks!

 

[RiverandSand]

Hi everyone, I recently picked up a '76 CJ7 with no engine, trans, t-case, or driveshafts. I have decided to put in a chevy 350 and th350. I already bought my transmission and Dana 20 t-case. Now I am trying to figure out the flexplate and torque converter. The converter I want uses the larger mount pattern for the 168 tooth flexplate. I know that I can get a flexplate that will fit, so that's not an issue.
The problem is I don't know if all the blocks have the starter mount pattern for that flexplate. Due to the lack of options at my local wrecking yards, the only engine I can get is a early 90's and up.
So, my question is do all the blocks of that time have both starter patterns? This may be a silly question, but ive always driven fords, so I have no idea how the Chevy blocks are set up.
Due to my terrible schedule the wrecking yards are always closed when im off work. So, I havn't been able to just go and look. I will literally have to take a one day "vacation" just to pick up the engine when I'm ready. I've already looked up the original starter for a mid 90's half ton, and the original is for the small flexplate.
I'm kinda stalled on acquiring my parts now until I figure this out. I've spent hours on google trying to find out, but there just doesn't seem to be a straight answer.
Any help is appreciated, thanks!

Summit is your best choice to find starters which can bolt up to either pattern.
I have found the blocks are setup for either pattern straight or staggered.

 

[ttbiker]

Thanks for the reply. I actually ended up getting a used LT1 motor. It did have both starter patterns. Which is good since the starter that came with it does not work with the flexplate I bought.

 

[RiverandSand]

Thanks for the reply. I actually ended up getting a used LT1 motor. It did have both starter patterns. Which is good since the starter that came with it does not work with the flexplate I bought.

Nice! Just a heads up the later small blocks with one piece rear main seals are externally balanced and require a matching flex/flywheel.