350 Starter Problems..

I have a 71 Chevelle. I just put a 350 in the car, replacing the 454. Using the same starter in the 350 that was used with the 454. I am not sure if they are the same. My problem is every so often the starter will not hit the fly wheel correctly or will move, but lately it has not been working at all. I've tried many different shims and different combinations of shims. I have a 60 in there now, seems to be the only one that will work. It will start the first time I turn the key then i'll go to the store or something and have to go under the car, loosen the bolts, and then bolt it back in, usually it will start after that, but not all the time. I'm thinking my starter is junk or the wrong one, but it works sometimes so that leads me to believe that something else may be wrong. Any response would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

hmm...have you tried checking with a parts dept or parts store to see if the starter will cross over? i find it odd that it comes and goes.  it sounds like something is working itself loose.

Hi, I have a similar problem with a 1986 Chevvy 454 engine. Starting is erratic, sometimes very smooth, other times very noisy. I have looked at the flywheel,seems ok. I am experimenting with shims although I cannot see what the clearance between the teeth is.It may be worthwhile changing the angle of the starter using shim on one bolt only,assuming your starter mounts with vertical bolts.