Ford Mini starters

Anyone using one? I'm putting a '89 302 into my Econoline and I need a starter. I can get a used one from a junkyard, or I can get a new one (~$50) from AutoZone, or given that space is going to be tight, a mini starter, like this one on eBay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...m=150147500371&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=005

That's considerably cheaper than the ones in Jegs, Summit, etc. Are they any good?

 

They're good. Ford has been using them for a while now. Same with GM.
We have a whole flock of trucks here at work, very few starter problems with GM , Dodge or Ford. All have small starters.
beats the hell out of spending $200 for a aftermarket one.

 

They're good.

But they wire up COMPLETELY differently than the original starter did.

Do an internet search, the wiring info for converting from a large to small Ford starter is out there.

 

I just bought one from dbelectrical on ebay. I called em first to be sure I was getting the right one since my application wasn't listed, a T-5 trans uses the automatic starter apparently...

anyway, only had it in for a couple weeks but very happy with it so far and they included the extra wire you'll need since the mini starters get wired a bit different than the old style ones. very simple to swap.

here's what i bought:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...STRK:MEWN:IT&viewitem=&item=130135188247&rd=1

good luck!

 

FYI, the wiring change is simply moving the previously keyed power line to the constant power side of the solenoid, then adding the wire they include to the keyed side of your solenoid so that it actuates the onboard solenoid. About as simple as it could get.

 

Used a Ford reduction gear starter on my new motor for the roadster. Compact, significantly lighter than the old one, and spins the motor with authority. Local auto electric guy was the vendor; cheaper than some, but probably not the all-time record low price. It did need a little jumper wire to make it work right, but was really no biggee.

 

We had a really cool mini starter on a late model ford witha 351 it held up a long time about 6-7 yrs

 

mine works great and i think my dad has had one on his car for about 2 years

 

Highly recommend the people at DB electrical,I bought my one wire alternator and mini-starter from them for my 302 SBF in my '54 Ford.I had some questions,they were helpful big time shipping was fast and prices great!

 

I have one on my 292 Y. It works great. No going back to that 25-30 lb piece of lead for me!