I need a starter for a 260-455 swap in a 1977 442 with MT. Looking at parts catalogs it looks like there are BBO and SBO starters, the transmission does not matter AT vs MT. Is this correct?

 

The difference in starters is some are low torque and some are high torque, depending upon the application. They will interchange between BBO and SBO as some SBO applications (high compression engines) also used a high torque starter.

This thread has good info for identifying them:
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...r-shot-148265/


And yes you are correct that the type of transmission does not matter.

 

Thank you I will use what I have first and see what the results are.

 

Here is the easy way to tell the difference between high torque and normal starters (high torque on the right). I would not waste my time using a 260 starter.

 

Well the car has 300K miles on it and I will need to look at the current starter to see what it really is. I am sure it is not OE. Thanks for the photo. Two bolts and two nuts do not add up to a lot of time so I may still take my chances.

 

No, but bench pressing that 800 lb GM starter with one hand while trying to put on the wires without dropping it and ripping the terminals off of them gets old in a hurry - especially when you drop the nut and have to reach for it.

 

 

Yeah, that one arm bench press gets old in a hurry. A floor jack makes a handy assistant for that job.

 

If you're located in AZ, try calling Gary at Gen-Star in Glendale (602) 939-2202. It's an old school rebuilding shop for starters and alternators. He'll definitely point you in the right direction, or maybe even have what you need.

 

Oh boy Joe, did you ever bring back some flash backs!!