mini starters
 

hey guys i lost the starter in my C10 this last weekend and want to replace it with a high torque mini starter. Who has one of the better brands of mini starters out there and what model should i get. theres so many to choose from and i have NO CLUE which one to go after. please let me know.

Re: mini starters
 

Go to your local auto parts store (ie: Advance) and order the following "over the counter" starter: For a 153 tooth flywheel and the straight bolt pattern starter, get the Corvette starter from a 1995 5.7L Corvette (Advance P/N 17124). That's if you have a 153 tooth flywheel and the straight bolt pattern starter. If you have a 168 tooth flywheel and the staggered bolt pattern starter, get the starter for a 2003 Silverado 3500 8.1L (P/N 17420). They are both Nippon-Denso style mini-starters, easy to get over the counter, and last forever, with a lifetime warranty. Usually around $118. Luckily GM stayed consistent with bolt patterns over all of those years. You can play the same games with Mopars as well, for example I stuck a modern Dodge Dakota starter (also Nippon-Denso style) on my '69 Charger. Again, Chrysler kept the same bolt and teeth pattern for 40 years. Little tricks to save you some money, get a better starter, have a lifetime warranty.

Re: mini starters
 

get your self a msd starter or mean green starter http://www.4x4connection.com/prodsearch/mean-green.htm

Re: mini starters
 

i've used speedway motors branded starters for many years not ever a problem with any that i've used
chrome starters seem to start best

Re: mini starters
 

I am running a Hitachi mini starter that I purchased at Summit... had it on the truck almost two years and no problems yet.

Re: mini starters
 

I switched to a CVR mini starter a couple years ago in mine since I kept on having to rebuild the old gm high torque starters. Haven't had the first problem out of it.:metal:

Re: mini starters
 

I 100% agree...Denso gear reduction starters are bullet-proof, Ive owned several Dodge/Cummins trucks & never replaced a starter..But I did replace the "High amp" contacts in the starter every 100K, Small price to pay for a starter on a 17 to 1 engine to last so long.

Re: mini starters
 

Powermaster all the way. Made in USA, zero problems. Call their tech support line and Brady will tell you which one you need for your application.

Re: mini starters
 

how would i know which flywheel i have?

Re: mini starters
 

Sounds like it is time to count teeth.

Re: mini starters
 

Don't you also need special bolts for these newer starters?

Re: mini starters
 

If the starter bolts are straight across you have a small 153 tooth flexplate.
If they are staggered you have a large 168 tooth flexplate.

Most of the time trucks use a "large" flexplate.

Re: mini starters
 

I have those on two of my buckets. One is 12 years old and the other is 5 years old. No issues as of yet.
one on a vortec 454 the other on my 406 sbc
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Re: mini starters
 

well heres what i went with guys.....works for both 153 and 168 tooth flywheels

http://www.jegs.com/i/CSR/170/100P/10002/-1

Re: mini starters
 

I really want to convert over to the gear reduction type starter on my '65 but have been told that it wont work with my bellhousing that current starter bolts to.

Re: mini starters
 

you can get OEM appearing gear reduction starters.....you just have to find the right one

Re: mini starters
 

Good choice, I have one too. I had to swap to it to run a Mag on a street car. Man did I ever p*ss on every stereo guys parade driving with that on it.

Re: mini starters
 

I posted this pic in another thread that I started involving my flexplate. But I wanted to follow up here about the starter. For a 168-tooth flywheel/flexplate, this starter will work perfectly on a SBC (and maybe big blocks too). Note the "L" bolt pattern that is the same for just about every SBC ever made.

186-tooth version: 8.1L 2003 Yukon or Silverado. L-pattern bolts. Advance PN 17420
153-tooth version: 5.7L 1995 Corvette. straight-pattern bolts. Advance PN 17124
Either one costs around $118 as of today with a lifetime warranty.

You might need different bolts, but so far I've been able to reuse my stock bolts on all of the 153-tooth applications that I've tried (and I've done many). YMMV.

The starter is on the left side of this pic. It is super light but packs a punch. Disregard the flexplate and other parts in the pic (was for my other post; has nothing to do with this thread).

http://www.skymagik.net/~storm/priva.../flexplate.jpg

Re: mini starters
 

ok guys, one last question.,..since the starter i got is for both 153 and 168 tooth flywheels does that also mean it has provisions or adapters for both staggered and straight mounting options?

Re: mini starters
 

The universal type of starter usually has a straight bolt configuration, but with multiple holes drilled (usually 4). On the starter, if you use it on a 153-tooth, it would use one set of 2 holes. For the 168-tooth, it would need to be moved over about 3/4" outward and use the other set of 2 holes (in the starter). On the engine mount pad area, it uses the "straight" bosses for the 153 setup. Allowing you to move it sideways for either a 153 or 168 setup depending on which holes in the starter you use. It's hard to explain but once you see, it will be an "ah ha" moment.

Normally the 153 setup uses the straight row bolt pattern. And the 168 uses the L pattern on the engine pad. The universal ones just move side to side in the 153 tooth holes depending on what flywheel/flexplate you have.

Since you would have to move the starter over about 3/4" outward for a 168, there might be rare cases when it won't clear tight headers or the bellhousing cover plate hole properly, etc. YMMV. If you have a 168 and it doesn't clear something, then get a L pattern version like I posted above. But be sure you have the 3rd boss for the L pattern starter. Most motors do. But some don't.

Oh, and the gear teeth spacing is the same. Just a smaller diameter flywheel/flexplate, thus less teeth.

Re: mini starters
 

I know this is a very old post but in case someone is interested in helping I am having an issue. I upgraded to the 186-tooth version: 8.1L 2003 Yukon or Silverado. L-pattern bolts from Advance Auto Parts - PN 17420. The problem is my headers are in the way. Those of you who this worked for did you have headers or an exhaust manifold? Any ideas what would work for a '71 SBC 350 with headers?

Re: mini starters
 

Yeah, 17420 won't clear headers and even some stock exhaust systems. You have to try it first and be prepared to take it back.

For your application (headers), I recommend Jegs 10081 for 186-tooth flexplate/flywheels. It's the same Nippon Denso design but can be adjusted to sit closer to the pan. It's more expensive but it works great and is super strong.

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Performan...10081/10002/-1

Another option is Jegs 10080. This one can be used with both 153 and 168 tooth flexplate/flywheels. It's a little cheaper. But doesn't sit as close to the pan because you need to use the other set of holes that pushes it out. But it is more clockable, so that makes up for it. Its not as strong, but still formidable.

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Performan...10080/10002/-1

Be prepared to switch the solenoid wire ring terminal to a spade terminal with either of those starters.

Re: mini starters
 

im running the OG inline 6 engine with a turbo 350 trans. will the 95' Corvette starter do just fine?

Re: mini starters
 

Inline 6 starters in 67-72 are the same as the V8's

Re: mini starters
 

Bringing this back from the dead with a word of thanks and a question


I've got a 71 c10 with a 350/350 and what I believe to be the 168 tooth flywheel.

How does this 2003 3500 Silverado starter wire to the 71?

I know power, obviously, but what's the arrangement for the purple and yellow wires?

Pics for reference. :)