I received the new high-torque starter on Wednesday (Oct 18). Finally got to install it on Sunday. Wow! What a difference. It engages and cranks this big block with no grinding or crunching sounds. It sounds like it should!

While I had both starters lying side-by-side on the floor I noticed the "Made in China" sticker on the one I took off. I bought it brand new from Advance Auto Parts back when I was getting ready to install the engine in the frame. Although there is nothing visibly wrong, there must be some irregularity in the snout that makes it fit wrong. The new one probably came from China, too (doesn't say so), but at least it works correctly. FINALLY.., I can move on to some other details.