mini starters

[ProStreet83C10]

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.

[storm9c1]

Originally Posted by ProStreet83C10

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.

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.

[clinebarger]

Originally Posted by storm9c1

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.

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.

[BigTopGT]

Originally Posted by storm9c1

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.

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.

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by BigTopGT

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

Pics for reference.

Simple answer is if you still run original points type of ignition you need the yellow wire, and most modern and aftermarket starters do not have that provision. If, however you are running an electronic ignition (eg. HEI) then the yellow wire is no longer needed and you can simply not worry about hooking it up.

[Ironangel]

Originally Posted by tx firefighter

simple answer is if you still run original points type of ignition you need the yellow wire, and most modern and aftermarket starters do not have that provision. If, however you are running an electronic ignition (eg. Hei) then the yellow wire is no longer needed and you can simply not worry about hooking it up.

^^^this!^^^ Im running the JEGS "Made in USA" Hitachi style 555-100012 starter. My block is actually drilled and tapped for diagonal and straight starter attachments (454 block) and that starter can be indexed for either flexplate. https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/10012/10002/-1

[BigTopGT]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Simple answer is if you still run original points type of ignition you need the yellow wire, and most modern and aftermarket starters do not have that provision. If, however you are running an electronic ignition (eg. HEI) then the yellow wire is no longer needed and you can simply not worry about hooking it up.

Thanks TX!

I'm out of town a few days, but when I get back Tuesday I'll get it installed and report back with how it goes.

[BigTopGT]

Originally Posted by storm9c1

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.

So, I've got the 17420 starter in my 71 and it's great for a bunch of reasons. (started on the first hit of the key)

What didn't work however, were the stock bolts from the OG starter. (too short by about 3/4 of an inch)

Anyone know of a resource for OEM bolts that are slightly longer than the 1971 Factory bolts?

Will the bolts from the 2003 8.1 work?

[iriereggaeman]

I know this post is a bit old, but perhaps it can be resurrected? I read this a month ago, and purchased a Jegs ProStarter Small Block Chevy mini starter, Part number 555-10002 ; https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/10002/10002/-1





I have uploaded a video that identifies the current struggles. Please see here:

https://youtu.be/bi76utLAtA8

Thanks for reading/watching!

[fastwillie 696969]

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

[cdowns]

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

[Chevypoor]

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

[Bad70sbchevy]

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.

[leddzepp]

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.

[ProStreet83C10]

how would i know which flywheel i have?

[clinebarger]

Originally Posted by ProStreet83C10

how would i know which flywheel i have?

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.

[KQQL IT]

Originally Posted by clinebarger

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.

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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[Blue Rat]

Sounds like it is time to count teeth.

[Lee H]

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

[ProStreet83C10]

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

[BigDan3131]

Originally Posted by ProStreet83C10

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

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.

[blackedoutharley]

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.

[ProStreet83C10]

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

[storm9c1]

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).

[ProStreet83C10]

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?