[tucsonjwt]

You should not have starter heat soak unless you have a big block. With a small block you should just need a good starter/solenoid.

I have a 454 and have a heat soak problem. I have dual start batteries, remote Ford solenoid, GM high torque mini starter. I still have a drag on the starter when the engine is at operating temperature but it always starts. I have never had heat soak on a small block.

I tried a metal heat shield with the stock 454 starter on my 73 and that did not help. Dual start batteries did help some, but still a drag on the starter when hot.

Be advised that some posting here vehemently state that starter heat soak does not exist - you just have a bad starter, solenoid, wiring, battery, etc. - so be prepared to hear opposing views.