Mini starter or standard?

GeneralWee · Post by **GeneralWee** » Wed Mar 30, 11 8:13 am

Think my starter motor has packed up

, so going to buy a new one.440 with headman headers.Will a mini starter fit? do I need one?Started fine for 4 years on a stock one.
Any advice appreciated.

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Wed Mar 30, 11 8:46 am

A mini starter will crank the engine over faster & wont get as hot as a standard 1 with headers.

RobTwin · Post by **RobTwin** » Wed Mar 30, 11 8:53 am

We suffered for years with headers/stock starter/shifter cable and regularly went thru (ie burnt thru) cables as it's hard to route them away from the starter/header area.
So the problem for us was how little room there was with the stock starter, more than how efficient it was.
Eventually changed the headers for stock manifolds which helped a lot.

Now we've changed the starter for a mini-version, and changed the shifter for a stock one, so have done away with the pesky cable too.

Cant comment on how the starter works yet tho

If you go the mini route, it should help a lot with headers, but it can be a bit of a fiddle to get the cables connected at the terminals are very close to the block.

GeneralWee · Post by **GeneralWee** » Wed Mar 30, 11 10:08 am

Haven't had any problems with cables, or heat.I just got mine off, and solenoid is pooped.It was a recon starter about 4 years ago, but hasn't done much work.
Main problem is that if the thing goes wrong, its a bit of a nightmare to remove the starter/header/jack engine etc.
But, basically a mini starter should fit?

Blue · Post by **Blue** » Wed Mar 30, 11 10:23 am

Personally I think they are a huge improvement, I have never had header clearance issues with them. You have to remove the cable adaptor on the new starter for big block use. The large stud sits very close to the block so make sure it clears. Work out your cable route, then secure the cables to the starter before you bolt it up, they are very difficult to get to once the starter is in place.

Adrian Worman · Post by **Adrian Worman** » Wed Mar 30, 11 10:24 am

If the cost of a new starter ain't an issue then go for a mini hi-torque. It will give loads more clearance, especially around headers, clutch mechanisms etc. Plus the added bonus of a much higher starting speed. On my Challenger with a 440 and a 4 speed I can remove the starter without touching anything else thru the gap in the inner wing just below the brake prop valve

was a world of pain before, makes a job like that almost a pleasure. Should be able to grab one from Jon at FBO

Dart Vader · Post by **Dart Vader** » Wed Mar 30, 11 11:43 am

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BRISTOL-DODGE-MOP ... 230efa7680

Ive got one, its fine

drewcrane · Post by **drewcrane** » Wed Mar 30, 11 12:28 pm

The mini starter is pretty much the standard one here, smaller, light weight,lasts longer, less strain on the electrical system, they just make total sense you wont be disappointed

Charger · Post by **Charger** » Wed Mar 30, 11 1:09 pm

another vote for Mini Starter from me, fitted mine 4 years ago, car starts much better just down to the fact it cranks much quicker i guess

Turnip · Post by **Turnip** » Wed Mar 30, 11 1:19 pm

http://www.moparuk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=34605

Or I have the Nippon Desto with the slightly larger motor for £150 if you need more power from your starter

GeneralWee · Post by **GeneralWee** » Wed Mar 30, 11 1:37 pm

Have ordered a mini starter.
Thanks for all your advice.

After a Saginaw power steering pump now (1969 440) anyone??

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Thu Mar 31, 11 8:49 am

You wont regret it, they are the way ahead *(unless you really are a stickler for originallity and it is more important than reliabiolity or performance).

GeneralWee · Post by **GeneralWee** » Fri Apr 01, 11 4:15 pm

Got mini starter today, tried to fit but fowls the headers....Grrrrrrr!!

Any ideas?
Great big standard starter (well I say standard, its a 3250, which apparently is for a 383) fitted fine, but the mini starter just gets in the way of the exhaust.
440 motor in a 69 Charger, with power steering and headman headers(regulation dent where the torsion bar is).
Any ideas?
Is a 3250 the same physical size as a 3258?

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Fri Apr 01, 11 4:17 pm

There are two types of mini starter. One is slightly longer than the other. Both are shorter than a stock starter.

Blue · Post by **Blue** » Fri Apr 01, 11 6:51 pm

I've fitted a mini starter to a 440 with Hedman headers, no problems at all, I got it from the guy in the ebay link above.