what are started bolts supposed to be torqued to. I just crushed a starter trying to get 50 pounds. Cheap db electrical.

i believe 30ft lbs

Well you know now 50 is to much. Your lucky you didnt strip out the threads in the block. But what size bolt is it 5/16, 3/8... Which engine 454, 500, 700... Standard grade III 3/8 bolt is 29 ft lbs. Find the shop book for your motor.

3/8 ...ID say grade 8....shop book says 50...picked up a new starter and torqued to 50...all good. 454. Db starter came with its own bolts, can't remember what torque they recommended...but done with db crap! Their bolts sheared after 1 season...had to pull motor to fix
Not cool.

Grade8 bolts and you shouldn't have issues again. Put loctite on the threads

I didn't have the best experience either with their starter. I kept bending the cheap Chinese bolts they sent with it. Called them to complain, and they sent me two somewhat higher grade bolts, but by theat time starter was making a grinding sound. Pulled it off and installed a Merc starter.