Which Starter?

man.......that is so weird you are having these issues....I have the same setup, almost....a smallblock, in a biscuit motor mount style k-member, (not spool motor mount) with TTI headers, and a starter from a 97 dakota 5.2.....I have not had these issues.........???

I have the 1 5/8''-1 3/4'' step headers....are you using the 1 7/8" headers???