Changing starter

OK...first dumb question thread for me...
I've been fiddle fartin' trying to get this 451 to start and idle nice. Based on some research, it turns out that big cams like lots of initial timing. Cam is a Comp 23-633-5 (23-633-5(Three Bolt) - Drag Race Mechanical Flat Tappet Camshafts ) So I've gone from the small bushing in the MSD distributor (28 degrees adv) to the biggest bushing (18 degrees)...this helped a bunch, but still not great. So now I have the distributor pinned and running a MSD start and step. Total timing set at 35 degrees. (dyno sheets claim best power at 6100 rpm and 35 degrees)Starts fine (cold) and idles much better. We have the power valves blocked off and it is now idling not bad at 1100-1200. On hot re-start it seems to drag still. Battery is a new Optima Red. Alternator is a new Powermaster. The electrical end is fine. Doesn't seem to matter if I have the start and step set at 10, 5, or 20 degrees. My conclusion is that the starter is probably heated up too many times and on the way out. I have TTI headers and for the life of me, it looks like the engine has to come out to change the starter. Things are TIGHT down there. If I take out the flange bolts and undo the collectors, is there any chance I can remove the starter?

Edit: car has manual steering with Flaming River box, stock type front susp and crossmember, 727 trans.