I have a merc hp500 starter got it hot, had it rebuilt at a local shop lasted 8 bumps of the key and blew the drive. I heard they probably use chinese parts. I have the big teage pan on my 572 so starter change is not easy.
what starters are you guys running?
I found this:
http://www.cpperformance.com/p-13381...r-sbc-bbc.aspx

Tilton, http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TIL-54-40001/

the other issue i just realized while searching is im staggered bolt pattern.

Tilton makes both

Powermaster
http://www.powermastermotorsports.com/

+1

got one in my donzi for the past 12 years..i have about 6 junk tilton starters i can send you if you think you could mak one from the 6 i took out of the race car a few seasons ago..

i believe your block should have both style bolt patterns..

I run a mini from Db Electric from ebay on my motor because of the kick out in my pan. I was concerned about the parts in it...mainly weather it had steel gears in it or not. So I emailed the owner of Db and he promptly responded that it does use steel gears. Which sold me on the starter. Very reasonable at $105.00 also. Works great!

I replaced my merc starter with a powermaster 2 years ago. Spins a 582ci quite fast. And my engine isn't the easiest to start.

http://www.powermastermotorsports.com/250_ft__lbs_.html

My Tilton starter would not work with the oil pan I had on my sbc race car. This starter cleared the pan and headers and has great cranking power.

http://www.msdignition.com/Products/...red_Mount.aspx

I bought one of their starters after a buddy installed one on his boat. Then last summer he had his DB starter go out on him. The thing would work fine while bench testing it, but would not kick the bendix when on the boat. He installed a Merc starter and all was well.

Then this summer my DB starter began making a grinding sound. Found out that the cheap Chinese bolts they sent me had bent. Installed a set of Grade 8 GM bolts, but was still getting grinding noises. Replaced DB starter with a Merc starter, and problem was eliminated.

I know many are running these without problems, but this was my experience with them. And as you well know, starters are not a lot of fun to replace when you are out on the lake!