345 -454 Starter replacement

[raveson]

Have to replace my starter on a 454 with a Banks tuned header system. Has anybody found a way to remove the starter without removing the headers? If I have to take them out, it will cost me 6 - 8 hours of labor for a cheep $35.00 starter!

[overlander63]

Remove the solenoid, then you will be able to manuever the starter better. When it's in place, you can re-install the solenoid.
Also, you can get a reduction-gear starter for your 454, it is much smaller than the stock unit. IIRC, one for a 1996 Corvette 5.7 will bolt-on, but you will need different mounting bolts, as the starter is smaller.

[BudClem]

May need to replace my 454 GM starter and I have the Banks header system. The heat protection plate protects the starter. Please recommend best approach to validate the starter is defective verus a bad solenoid and then please provide a novice approach to remove, replace, and repair. In North Georgia at Airstream Park with basic tools. Unit is 1994 Airstream 36' Motorcoach with 454 GM with Banks system,with 65,000 miles.

[raveson]

How is's done, I can't explaine, But my mechanic managed to get the thing out without removing the headers. Said it was a pain, but the hours worked on were a bunch less them removing the headers. As I remember the starter and the altinator both replaced had a bill less then $1,000 along with oil change (synthetic Mobil with large filter) and general fluid maintenance.

[BudClem]

Okay, Thanks for the info. WOW this could really be a "pain" if fails on the road in the middle of nowhere.