1952-59 Ford Please Splain what a relay Solenoid does

I know its probably a stupid question but could someone explain what the Relay Solenoid on the Fender well does? I know the Battery and starter goes to it but it seems to me the starter solenoid on the starter would do the same thing...Thx

 

This is the starter I'm going to use

 

So do i need to use one of these also?

 

I think I found the answer to my question on another board. thanks though

 

you could just use that starter only. but the reason they are wanting you to use the extra solenoid is battery voltage/amprage drop due to heat from the exaust . for some reason a starter that has continuous batt. voltage going to it tends to crank the engine slower .

 

Ford in its infinite wisdom put the starter solenoid on the fenderwell, to keep it out of the heat and elements. GM, on the other hand, put it on top of the starter, to keep it in the water splash, exhaust heat and to make issues with the starter system harder to troubleshoot.

 

Thanks Guys, Yeah I read last night it could be wired up with or without it, I guess I'm going to go ahead and use one just for that reason maybe it will save me headaches down the road.

 

Wire it up with it, that starter from D & B is one awesome cranker and you can't beat the price.I have recommended them ever since I got mine and seems like there are a lot of happy customers.