Looking to change over to a mini starter on a SBC 327. Looking to gain more clearance for wiring and heat protection near the exhaust. Will likely go high torque. I used Proform Minis in the past with no issues, but that was 15 years ago. Before I pull the trigger again, just curious what guys are running these days. Any particular brands/models that have slipped in quality I should avoid, or anything people are really having good luck with? Appreciate any input.
Late 90s OEM Chevy starters work well, they're permanent magnet/planetary. They have metric bolt holes, so be sure to get the correct bolts for them! the have a 10mm shank and 3/8-16 threads, and you'll note the size changes in the middle of the knurl. this is for 1999 C1500 pickup with a 350 engine
I'm using a power master right now, and it works great. Double check your ignition wiring, you may need the diode. mine was wired for points and i needed it. R Terminal Diode Harness Kit for GM Starters | Shop for JEGS 10038 GM Starter R Terminal Diode Online - JEGS
The inexpensive ones end up being costly when it hurts . Meizzere’s are expensive for a reason and I’m not saying to go there. Compression can make or break one. Read reviews for the ones you pick. Good luck.
As U can see they range from $65 - 500 Make sure correct bolt's I feel the length more critical then to small round or mm head . Not correct length will strip hole / bolt To long bottom out then break block off. U Think tight & there is .000 - .010 thoe gap "" I when installing"" before finial torq or lock down I pull the bendix out by hand Threw teeth on Flex / fly making sue Square engagement wiggle room to adjust "" then do final torque."" A true stock Oem mini is BEST for Oem Style 06-200 gm truck some S10 / Sonoma 4.3 years little smaller starter motor size 06-2004 ish Aftermarket Do you want clock able? Smallest ? You will have to check Manufacture spec all different Hp size for compression ratio Oem stlye / replacement I have had Cheap oe style 50/50 Good /bad Race Brand 12v .. 14v up Most band's all Good . Race brands I used all listed above . Some Race brands get changed out Like every 1-2 yrs . Most starter issues are the Bendix contact disk in Solenoid & Oil soaked So witch Brand its roll or dice
I have good luck with GM Performance starter on a 69 327 and on my Vortec 350 If you need it I can get the GM part number when I go out to the shop.
I have used IMI Performance Products Hi Torque starters and been really pleased. They are not inexpensive but outlived the others I have tried. Multiple mounting patterns to accommodate exhaust clearances and other obstacles.
We generally use Powermaster, mini starters with nose cone on a lot of stuff, never had a problem. On special stuff Robbmc.com starters with the optional nose cone. Pricey, but infinitely clock-able starter solenoid to clear headers etc. Bill
I took a chance on one thru Wal Mart for a late 90's truck for my 327. It has worked great for several years. Gary
GM has two numbers for their small permanent magnet starters that Jim /Squirrel mentoned and with the correct bolts they work and aren't real spendy. one for 153 tooth ring gears and one for 168 tooth ring gears .
Great stuff, everyone. Much appreciated. I'm getting ready to tear into this when the kids go back to school. I'm going to end up doing a radiator swap and cleaning up wiring, so I plan to mock up a few sets of headers to see if either set works. I think clockable would be nice, but header dependent. I'll probably wait until then to see what starter I end up with. I'm intrigued by the 90's truck starters as well. Good to know about the bolts. Appreciate the info.
For the most part, headers are why a clockable starter is handy, thinking most brands of starters are going to use the same basic bolt layout for clocking, the shape of the adapter plate may matter.
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