Small Block Chevy starter location question

[OldNYJim]

So, I'm building the MPC Vending Machine kit, which is a replica of the 1:1 car.  On the full-size the starter is mounted above the top of the block, it looks like:

the kit has the starter mounted down on the driver's side of the block so I'll need to correct that...but I'm not an expert on SBCs at all...is the placement in the pic above standard for a particular year of SBC, or something custom for this one car?  I'm trying to find some reference material to work out the proper placement and blankets and stuff...

[Ace-Garageguy]

I see the alternator, forward of the intake manifold and above the water pump in your photo, but not the starter.

The standard starter location for a SBC is down low on the passenger side of the engine.   

It appears there is sufficient space for the starter there on your photo.

[Toner283]

If the part circled in red is the one you are referring to, that is not the starter. As Acegarageguy said that is the alternator. Every normal factory SBC has the starter on the right hand side of the block (as viewed from the driver's position) bolted down beside the oil pan. When engaged it makes a mechanical link gearing the starter to the flywheel or flexplate to turn the engine over to start. There are several different small block Chevy starters but the differences will be almost impossible to tell apart in 1/24th or 1/25th scale. Early SBC starters bolted to the bellhousing but since the mid 60s, they have been bolted to the block.

[OneTrickPony]

The alternator on the vast majority of cars and trucks is belt driven and is often moved to a custom location depending on the car, frame, accessories, etc. The starter on a classic small block Chevy with very few exceptions is mounted low on the passenger side. It has to engage the flywheel inside the bell housing area. A very few modern engines mount the starter under the intake manifold where it would not be seen on a model.

Edited June 5, 2018 by OneTrickPony