Starter drive doesnt line up

[Caveman]

Ok everyone new to the forum. I got this project that im trying to finish up. It is a 1980 chevy luv with a g63b 2.0 with a automatic trans. I know nothing about these motors so trying to sort everything out. I do know the wide block narrow block situation. Automatics are a wide block the lower bellhousing bolts measure 13.25 . The problem is the project didnt come with a starter so went to oreillys and got one starter works fine but the drive doesnt engage the flywheel i have tried about every motor and trans combos that they have a listing for and same thing drive doesnt engage…. I need Help!!!

looking in threw where the starter bolts in it looks lime to me the drive needs to be offset to the center of the motor. All the starters i have bought the drive looks centered

any help would be great!!!

thanks

[Caveman]

http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=27480&stc=1

[sith33]

Are you sure you got a starter for an automatic? They're different - O'reilly has both, automatic (https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/ultima/alternators---starters/starter/dad3c6651e74/ultima-starter-remanufactured/ost0/r612391a/v/a/2021/automotive-truck-1986-dodge-ram-50?q=starter&pos=0) and manual (https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/ultima/alternators---starters/starter/dad3c6651e74/ultima-starter-remanufactured/ost0/r612421a/v/a/2021/automotive-truck-1986-dodge-ram-50?q=starter&pos=1). The automatic will be 1.2kW vs 0.9kW for the manual. Rockauto has some in stock it looks like.

[Caveman]

Yes sir

[Caveman]

http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=27482&stc=1

[SubGothius]

looking in threw where the starter bolts in it looks lime to me the drive needs to be offset to the center of the motor. All the starters i have bought the drive looks centered

The apparent "offset" accommodates the diameter of the starter pinion gear.

[Caveman]

Does the automatic starter have a different tooth count on the drive?

[geezer101]

Yes, auto has a different tooth count. Can't recall exactly but one has an 8 tooth count, one has 9.