For a slant with 904, was there ever a shield around the starter? I know there was a dust shield around the bottom for the torque converter, but I never remember removing one from around the starter.

Right now, using a mini starter, theres a gap between bottom of starter and block, exposing the torque converter. Its not a huge deal, I figure there probably was a plate there that was previously removed.

Will one of http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 4599082679 these meant for a big block work?

Starter seal, the factory called it. Always. One per car.
Reinstall the seal...!
Yep!
Can also grab one out of the wrecking yard, probably free of charge.

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Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Thanks for the info Dan. I couldn't find any refernece to it in the FSM, and in the parts book they show a one piece dust cover between block and bellhousing for a manual but didn't show an auto picture. Then again I didn't spend too much time but quickly thumbed through it. Time to buy it on cd, big bulky books get annoying.

If you are using a mini-starter then the factory shield will leave a gap. Mancini Racing now carries a shield that is designed to work with the mini-starter.

http://store.yahoo.com/chucker54/stststsh.html