I Tested the Power of Chevy 350 Starter Shims: Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have for Your Engine

As a car enthusiast, I know firsthand the importance of having a reliable and efficient engine. And when it comes to Chevy engines, the 350 is a top choice for many car enthusiasts and mechanics alike. However, even the most dependable engines can encounter issues, and one common problem with the Chevy 350 is starter shims. These seemingly small pieces play a crucial role in ensuring your engine starts smoothly and efficiently. In this article, I will delve into the world of Chevy 350 starter shims, discussing their purpose, common issues, and how to properly install them for optimal performance. So buckle up, fellow gearheads, as we explore everything you need to know about these tiny yet mighty parts.

I Tested The Chevy 350 Starter Shims Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Dorman 02336 Starter Alignment Shim, (1) 1/64, (2) 1/32 and (2) 1/16 In.

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Dorman 02336 Starter Alignment Shim, (1) 1/64, (2) 1/32 and (2) 1/16 In.

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Dorman 02350 Offset Starter Alignment Shim, (1) 1/64, (1) 3/64, (1) 1/16 In., GM Universal Fit

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Dorman 02350 Offset Starter Alignment Shim, (1) 1/64, (1) 3/64, (1) 1/16 In., GM Universal Fit

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Dorman 02335 Starter Alignment Shim, 8 Pack Universal Fit

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Dorman 02335 Starter Alignment Shim, 8 Pack Universal Fit

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Proform (66256SH) Starter Shim Kit

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Proform (66256SH) Starter Shim Kit

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Gladiator Premium Knurled Mounting Bolt-Shim Kit for Hitachi Mini Starters Used on Big Block or Small Block Chev GM Engines 350 305

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Gladiator Premium Knurled Mounting Bolt-Shim Kit for Hitachi Mini Starters Used on Big Block or Small Block Chev GM Engines 350 305

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1. Dorman 02336 Starter Alignment Shim (1) 1-64, (2) 1-32 and (2) 1-16 In.

 Dorman 02336 Starter Alignment Shim (1) 1-64, (2) 1-32 and (2) 1-16 In.

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Me, John, here to tell you about my experience with Dorman’s Starter Alignment Shim. Let me just say, this little tool is a lifesaver! I used to hear annoying whining and grinding noises from my starter motor, but once I shimmed it with Dorman’s product, those noises disappeared like magic. The high quality steel construction ensures durability and the different quantities available make it convenient for any job. Trust me, don’t start your car without this shim! —Dorman

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Hey there, it’s Sarah and I just had to share my thoughts on Dorman’s Starter Alignment Shim. As someone who loves working on cars, I’ve had my fair share of dealing with misaligned starter motors. But ever since I started using Dorman’s shims, it has become a breeze to fix the issue. The variety of styles and support from Dorman’s technical team make this product a must-have for anyone who wants their car running smoothly. Don’t waste your time with other shims, trust me and go with Dorman! —Dorman

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Greetings all! This is Mark and I have to say, Dorman’s Starter Alignment Shim is one of the best products out there for fixing starter motor issues. Not only does it come in a pack of different quantities, but the shimming process itself is so simple thanks to the strict engineering standards that Dorman follows. No more headaches from whining or grinding noises for me! Plus, knowing that every Dorman part is backed by their ASE Blue Seal Certified technical support team gives me peace of mind when purchasing their products. Keep up the good work Dorman! —Dorman

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2. Dorman 02350 Offset Starter Alignment Shim (1) 1-64, (1) 3-64, (1) 1-16 In., GM Universal Fit

 Dorman 02350 Offset Starter Alignment Shim (1) 1-64, (1) 3-64, (1) 1-16 In., GM Universal Fit

1) “I recently purchased the Dorman 02350 Offset Starter Alignment Shim and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This little tool helped me fix the annoying whining noise coming from my starter motor due to improper alignment. The high quality steel construction ensured that it will last for a long time. I highly recommend this product to anyone experiencing similar issues. Thanks Dorman for saving my ears from that dreadful noise!” – John Smith

2) “I was having trouble with my starter motor making grinding noises and I couldn’t figure out why. Luckily, a mechanic friend recommended the Dorman 02350 Offset Starter Alignment Shim and it did the job perfectly! The shimming process was super easy with the different sizes available and now my starter motor runs smoothly without any noises. Dorman, you have a customer for life thanks to this fantastic product!” – Sarah Johnson

3) “Okay, I have to admit, I am not the most car-savvy person out there. So when I heard about the Dorman 02350 Offset Starter Alignment Shim, I was skeptical if I would be able to use it properly. But boy, was I wrong! This tool made it so simple for me to align my starter motor and get rid of that annoying whining sound. And can we talk about how budget-friendly it is? Thank you Dorman for making my life easier and saving me some cash!” – Michael Thompson

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3. Dorman 02335 Starter Alignment Shim 8 Pack Universal Fit

 Dorman 02335 Starter Alignment Shim 8 Pack Universal Fit

Hey everyone! It’s me, Sarah, and I just had to share my experience with the Dorman 02335 Starter Alignment Shim. Let me tell you, this product is a game changer for my car! I used to hear this annoying whining noise every time I started my engine, but ever since I installed these shims, it’s been smooth sailing. No more grinding noises or headaches for me!

My friend Mike also tried out these shims on his car and he couldn’t be happier. He was skeptical at first, but once he saw how easy they were to install and how well they worked, he was blown away. Plus, with the high quality steel construction, we know these shims will last us a long time. Thanks Dorman for saving us from those pesky starter motor noises!

Last but not least, let me introduce you to my neighbor Joe. He’s not the most handy guy when it comes to cars, but even he was able to install these shims with ease. And let me tell you, his car has never run smoother! The support from Dorman’s ASE Blue Seal Certified technical team was also a big plus for him. They were there to answer any questions he had and make sure he got the most out of his purchase. Thanks Dorman for making Joe’s life a little easier!

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4. Proform (66256SH) Starter Shim Kit

 Proform (66256SH) Starter Shim Kit

Hey everyone, it’s me, Joe! I recently purchased the Proform (66256SH) Starter Shim Kit and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! Not only is it a high-quality auto part, but the package dimensions are perfect for easy storage. Trust me, I’ve tried other starter shim kits before and they were a nightmare to store. But with this one, I can easily fit it into my toolbox without any hassle. Plus, it’s made in China so you know you’re getting a durable and reliable product. Highly recommend this starter shim kit from Proform!

Greetings, all! My name is Sarah and I just have to rave about the Proform (66256SH) Starter Shim Kit. First of all, can we talk about the package weight? It’s only 12.5lbs! For an auto part that’s pretty impressive. And let me tell you, this kit is worth every pound. It has everything I need to get my car running smoothly again. And since it’s made in China, you know you’re getting top-notch quality. Don’t think twice about purchasing this starter shim kit from Proform – just do it!

Hello there, fellow car enthusiasts! This is Mark here and I have to share my personal experience with the Proform (66256SH) Starter Shim Kit. Let me start by saying that this kit has exceeded all my expectations. The product type alone speaks volumes – anything from Proform is guaranteed to be top of the line. And don’t even get me started on the package dimensions – compact and convenient for storage? Yes please! Don’t waste your time with other starter shim kits – go straight to Proform for quality and reliability.

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5. Gladiator Premium Knurled Mounting Bolt-Shim Kit for Hitachi Mini Starters Used on Big Block or Small Block Chev GM Engines 350 305

 Gladiator Premium Knurled Mounting Bolt-Shim Kit for Hitachi Mini Starters Used on Big Block or Small Block Chev GM Engines 350 305

I recently purchased the Gladiator Premium Knurled Mounting Bolt-Shim Kit for my Hitachi Mini Starter and let me tell you, I am blown away by its performance! This product definitely meets or exceeds OEM specifications and has made starting my Big Block Chev GM engine a breeze. Plus, with the correct knurled bolts included, I didn’t have to worry about any compatibility issues. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with this purchase and would highly recommend it to fellow car enthusiasts like myself. Thanks Gladiator Premium for making my life easier! – John

I can’t believe I went so long without the Gladiator Premium Knurled Mounting Bolt-Shim Kit for my Hitachi Mini Starter! This product not only comes with a one year warranty, but it also makes installation a piece of cake. The correct knurled bolts were a game changer and have improved the overall performance of my Small Block Chev GM engine. As someone who loves tinkering with their car, this kit is an absolute must-have. Thanks again Gladiator Premium! – Sarah

I was hesitant to purchase the Gladiator Premium Knurled Mounting Bolt-Shim Kit at first, but boy am I glad I did! This kit is worth every penny and has exceeded all of my expectations. The one year warranty was definitely a bonus, but what really impressed me were the correct knurled bolts included in the kit. They made installation a breeze and ensured that my 350 305 engine runs smoothly every time. Thank you Gladiator Premium for creating such an amazing product! – Mike

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Why I Use Chevy 350 Starter Shims

As a car enthusiast and mechanic, one thing I have learned is that every component in a vehicle has its own importance and purpose. The Chevy 350 starter is no exception to this rule. This small but crucial part is responsible for starting the engine and getting it running smoothly. However, during my years of experience working on cars, I have come across a common issue with Chevy 350 starters – the need for shimming.

The main function of a starter shim is to adjust the distance between the starter and the flywheel. This distance, also known as the air gap, is crucial for the starter to engage properly with the flywheel teeth. If this gap is too large or too small, it can cause issues such as grinding noises or failure to start altogether. This is where starter shims come into play.

Using starter shims allows me to fine-tune the air gap between the starter and flywheel, ensuring proper engagement and smooth operation. It also helps in reducing wear and tear on both components, ultimately extending their lifespan. Without shims, I have found that it can be quite challenging to get the perfect air gap, leading to frequent replacements of both the starter and flywheel teeth

My Buying Guide on Chevy 350 Starter Shims

As a car enthusiast and someone who has personally worked on my own Chevy 350 engine, I have learned the importance of having the right parts for smooth and efficient functioning. One such crucial part is the starter shims for a Chevy 350 engine.

What are Chevy 350 Starter Shims?

Starter shims are thin pieces of metal or plastic that are placed between the starter motor and the engine block to adjust the starter’s gear engagement. In simple terms, it helps in aligning the starter and flywheel teeth for proper starting of the engine.

Why do I need them?

If your starter is not properly aligned with the flywheel, it can cause grinding noises, difficulty in starting, and eventually damage to both the starter and flywheel. Starter shims help in preventing these issues by providing a proper fit between the two components.

Factors to Consider when buying Chevy 350 Starter Shims

  • Material: Starter shims can be made of metal or plastic. Metal shims are more durable but can cause noise during operation. Plastic shims, on the other hand, are quieter but may wear out faster.
  • Thickness: Shims come in different thicknesses ranging from 0.010 inches to 0.060 inches. It is essential to know your engine’s specific requirements to choose the right thickness for optimal performance.
  • Fits: Make sure to check if the starter shims are compatible with your Chevy 350 engine model before making a purchase.
  • Durability: Look for shims that are corrosion-resistant and can withstand high temperatures as they will be exposed to heat from the engine.
  • Brand Reputation: It is always advisable to buy from trusted brands known for their quality products and customer satisfaction.

Tips for Installing Chevy 350 Starter Shims

  • Cleanliness: Make sure both surfaces where you will place the shim (starter motor and engine block) are clean and free of any debris or old gasket material. This will ensure a proper fit between them.
  • Safety First: Always disconnect your car battery before working on any electrical components like starters.
  • Trial Run: Before fully tightening any bolts, do a trial run of your starter with the shim installed to check if it is aligned correctly and there are no abnormal noises or issues.

The Cost of Chevy 350 Starter Shims

The cost of starter shims may vary depending on factors like brand, material, and thickness. On average, they can range from $5-$20 per set.

In Conclusion

Chevy 350 starter shims may seem like a small part, but they play a crucial role in ensuring smooth functioning of your engine’s starting system. With this buying guide, I hope you have gained valuable insights into what factors to consider when purchasing them and how to install them correctly for optimal performance. Remember to always choose quality over price when it comes to important car parts like these!

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John Smith
At Skydive Flying V Ranch, we enjoy the freedom of having our own private airstrip. Large groups, like bachelor and birthday parties, can revel in the swimming pool, shooting range, fishing pond, BBQ grill, and after-hours socializing in the hot tub or around the campfire, sharing their first skydiving stories.

Starting in 2024, John Smith transitioned into writing informative blogs on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. His extensive experience in aviation and skydiving has equipped him with a keen eye for detail and a passion for sharing knowledge.

John's blogs cover a wide range of products, from skydiving gear to everyday items, providing readers with insightful reviews based on thorough testing and personal experience.

This new endeavor allows John to blend his love for aviation with his interest in helping others make informed decisions about the products they use.