Starting engine in car w/o transmission

I have parts car that has no tranny in it but everything is intact for the engine. Can I bolt up the starter and fire it up without damaging anything? I also want to run a compression test before I pull it to make sure the motor is worth using.

Compression test does not equal starting the engine.

I would defineltely do a compression test if the engine is an unknown quantity.

Running the engine would require a flywheel - either the one you intend to use, or bolt up the torque converter from the donor car - that weight needs to be there.

QuickTD said:

Biggest problem is that the starter bolts to the transmission.

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Yes I just realized this. DUH! I guess I will just half-ass bolt up enough of the tranny to start it.

Converter doesn't matter if you're just spinning it without starting. Certainly need the flexplate with ring gear.