repacing starter on a 24v swap

[Rugbyfan]

Well on my to-do list after getting my car down to Savannah was to replace the starter. It had started the whole 2-4 attempts are starting. I would hear a pop then a whir, so it's about time. I bought a new generic brand starter from O'Rielly's for $120.

I have access to a lift and air tools.

I worked for 5 hours on it today.
So far I have (in rough order)

Dropped the exhaust from the shorty headers I am running
Dropped driveshaft and trans brace
removed front sway
unbolted front left control arm (to remove sway)
unbolted shift linkage

I thought that this would allow the trans to drop enough so that I could gain access to the starter bolts (threaded flange) to no avail. The drivers side bolt is accesible but the passengers side is buried. Therefore I:
-Removed TB, fuel and intake manifold
I can now see the passenger side bolt. My plan is to get a supper long extension and have another guy guide the ET12 socket on the bolt from the engine bay.
Is there anything I'm missing? is there anyway to get the trans to drop down more (or easily?)
What are some items I should repace "While I'm in there"?
I figured I will try to overnight a TB and IM gasket, and 6 injector Orings, What else? (on a side note, what is a close parts supplier to GA since Bavauto is in NH?)
Thanks in advance guys, this is a pretty PITA project that sucks.
-Rugbyfan

[scottinAZ]

Pull the intake, remove starter. installation is the reverse. Took me about 30 minutes to install the starter when I did my swap.

if you are having major difficulties, install the bolts "backwards" that is with the star facing the engine compartment, and in the future, its just pull the intake, and stick a wrench on the nuts on the back of the bellhousing....

[M-technik-3]

Both bolts are on the drivers side and can be done from below.

[jrdeamicis]

Take your starter to a machinist and have some helicoils installed instead of the thru bolts. Makes life MUCH better.

[FredK]

I did it from the top as well. Having e-torx combo wrenches can really save you.

[Rugbyfan]

I see two trains of thought. Half say "Pull the intake" others say "go from below" my thoughts:
A dual approach.
If I just go from the top, the passenger side bolt is still buried, what kinda of tool would hit that (I don't see a ratchet getting in there, the motor is right up against the firewall)
If I go from the bottom, the bellhousing is still too close from the body to even really see that passenger side bolt.
I really don't want to start messing with motor mounts

[Rugbyfan]

sorry for the spelling errors, my keys are shitting the bed, in addition to my starter.
I'm about 4 hours in, with air tools, a lift and a second set of hands

[jrdeamicis]

If its an OBD1 intake, just pull it.

[FredK]

Yeah, a ratchet won't fit, but a combo wrench will. Remove the transmission cross brace and jack the trans up a little if you need some extra clearance. I have the trans tunnel soundproofing in as well.

[Rugbyfan]

it is OBD1 intake, I pulled it and moved it out of the way (left most everything intact ie. injectors and vacuum hoses) but the motor is very very close to the firewall.
This may just be a figure it out as I go thing.
Any thoughts on "consumables" while I'm in there? so far I have added TB, IM gaskets, and 6 injector orings. I will order from Bluntech unless there is a supplier closer to GA that will get here faster

[Rugbyfan]

Yeah, a ratchet won't fit, but a combo wrench will. Remove the transmission cross brace and jack the trans up a little if you need some extra clearance. I have the trans tunnel soundproofing in as well.

Jack trans up? huh there's something I never considered. That would give more room?

[jrdeamicis]

Clean your ICV
Inspect your air hoses for oil soak
Inspect knock sensors

[Rugbyfan]

what would I be looking for on the knock sensors, other than wire connections. I did find trace amounts of oil in the IM

[FredK]

Jack trans up? huh there's something I never considered. That would give more room?

It'd give you a small amount of extra room, if you can't get at it at all.

[Rugbyfan]

It'd give you a small amount of extra room, if you can't get at it at all.

Thanks I appreciate it. The shop will be open on Thursday so I'll rush ship the gaskets.