Hello - I believe the '73 and up used the large brace. Maybe it was a heat shield in addition to a brace. Don't have the CSM at the moment, so guessing about Olds terminology.
Fusick sells them, (they call it a starter shield bracket) but was hoping to find good used with the bolts. The bolt that attaches the brace to the starter looks to be pretty short.

Here's the pic from Fusick:




Would need shipping to 53140.

Thanks in advance.

 

I have both styles of the braces. I should be able to come up with a suitable bolt, also. Please let me know. Thanks, Bob.

 

The bolt that attaches to the starter is very short. it's a x0.5 inch, if that. Blind hole. Also, if you have duals, the left pipe is right there. I had to use a button head allen cap screw to clear.

 

I have both styles of braces listed in the 'for sale' section..... a few months back. Greg. 864-616-4619

 

Wow - thanks for the quick replies folks.
A member PM'd me who's geographically closest, so once I see pix from him I'll make a decision.
Updates to follow when available.

 

iirc the hole in the starter is open but the field coil is right inside so the bolt must be short.

 

I have seen stud that threads into starter only a few threads brace bracket is held onto that with a nut...
Careful if you use a bolt, that it is NOT 2 LONG

 

So I spent some time yesterday checking through the '73 CSM. I was surprised to see no mention of the starter brace or any real pictures of it. The only illustration I found was a generic exploded view of the engine assembly at the beginning of the V8 engine section. The narrow strap brace was shown.

Since whatever should be on this car is missing, will the parts manual show if the plate style brace is needed vs. the strap style?
And, I've seen some with the heat-shield that bolts to the solenoid as shown in the reply with pic from odsmbl in the upper right.

If someone could check a parts book to see what's supposed to be this, that'd be great: 197 Delta 88 455 with factory dual exhaust. The CSM showed a different engine VIN for 455 with factory duals, I just don't recall what it was.

I hope to have the vehicle in the air later today, so will take a pict or 2 while I'm under there.
Thanks again to all these helpfull members.

 

Here is unit from a 330 removed last week. It has the brace and bolt
Starting Motor case is drilled with tapped hole. Bolt is "short"