has anyone out there used this started that this guy sells off of ebay??? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Flat...ryZ34206QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem Jordan
Read his feedback (100%) sounds like everyone who bought one is happy. btw you can get the same thing around the same price from Pat at Wilcap. Kev.
looks exactly like a powermaster starter, which I have used, and am completely happy with...I also know of them being used on flatheads, with no issues...
Recently read either here or on Fordbarn/MSN that the "cheap" gear drive starters had problems.... ...but I've never used one nor do I know anyone, so I'm just repeating unsubstantiated internet rumors!
Those gear reduction starters do provide more torque and work well for high compression engines. Damn are they fugly though. Ick.
It solves the disintigrating bendix problem encountered by many when they subject the original ford 6v starter to 12 volts, and also increases starter torque significantly. Mine came from Gene Benson (Flato products) for $200 for a quality unit with his service and support, worth the extra bucks to me but thats everyones choice. Can't speak to the Ebay version. Another option I have seen lately is new stock appearing ford starter, all wound for 12 volts and with a modern bendix, better choice if you want to look trad, not sure who makes them , but I think Patricks carries them, not sure who else. Also don't know the price.
The one I have in my 289 spins 14 to 1 compression..but like I said, its a powermaster..visually identical
Why Does everyone think they need a bad*** starter for a flathead?? Your probably cranking 9 to 1 compression, so it's really overkill isn't it??
I bought a similar starter for my YBlock. It has worked flawlessly. This is the company. www.autoelec.com They make a flathead unit.
It's fugly, it's not traditional....and like everyone else said..... YOU DON'T NEED ONE....all you need--- is to convert your 6V to 12V
From a strictly drag racing perspective, it weighs less and leaves more room for pipes in tight fitting areas.
Run the stock 6V unit. Just don't sit there and crank and crank and crank if the engine doesn't start right away. Figure out why it's not firing, fix it and then you'll be fine with a 6V unit. Unless space is your goal, there's no reason to NOT use a stock starter, or at least a stock starter that's been converted to 12V if you feel better about it. The stock 6V starter is more than capable of turning over just about any flathead, whether it's a race engine or a street engine. My Dad runs a stock 6V unit on his Arduns. Some of those have had over 13:1 compression and never a problem. Matt
I am using one of the starters you are inquiring about on a 8ba. It worked good for a few weeks and then started not engaging into the flywheel some of the time. I done some measuring and the bendix gear only went into the flywheel teeth about 1/8". I flipped the bendix gear after a little machining and it worked great but wasn't using all the internal shaft splines inside the bendix gear. Called and talked to the Vendor and found out the starter fits some of the Flatheads but on some it needed a different bendix gear. I called the company that makes the starter (in Calif) and they said this was true and the the starter with the correct bendix gear does cost the vendor $20 more which matches what he had told me. I bought the correct gear from the Mfg and it has worked great. I have a friend running the same starter and he also had to change the bendix gear. Just ask what flatheads it fits and if some cost more for the flathead. Not traditional but neither is the crank trigger and fuel injection on it. Hope this helps. Vergil
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