Mini Starter Worth It?

Hello. I have a 1970 Plymouth GTX 440 stickshift and I was wondering if it was worth putting a mini-starter in? What would the modifications be to the engine block or to the starter? I've seen a mini starter on eBay for $60 plus $7.95 shipping. And is it the same starter for automatic and manual? Thanks.

I'd say it depends on what your doing with the car. If its a driver or a race car,... YES! Saves weight and more reliable starter. If its a restoration, no. originality counts.

I put one in my Satellite a few years back. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Less weight, more room, more reliability.

No modifications at all. Just unbolt the old 20lb anchor, and bolt in the newer, lighter, more powerful unit.

unless you are going for a concours resto I don't see any reason NOT to use one. Same starter fits manual and autos.

Totally worth it - unless you like that old gear reduction sound. Turns the engine faster.

Depending on the terminal style of starter you're looking at you may need to shorten the main terminal or just remove the terminal extension - or do nothing at all. On mine, I shortened the main stud for a little more block clearance.

I have one on my '71 Charger and some previous owner mounted one in my '74 Power Wagon W200 truck.

Agree with above. Saves weight up front, IIRC lower current draw, (usually) more clearance for headers, etc. It's a Nippondenso mini starter.

Also, if you don't mind rebuilt, you may get a better price and find one at a local autoparts store and therefore avoid shipping costs. I think you ask for a Starter for a 1988 Dodge Diplomat or Dodge pickup truck at your local parts store.

Here is a link to the Moparts Tech Archive on the subject. Lists the vehicles that came from the factory with them.

I got mine from an Autozone and it was around $30.

Moparts Tech Archive Ministarter page

DC

Absolutely worth it! Got mine from Autozone for a Dakota , can't remember year etc. Works better, so much lighter and so much smaller for increased clearances for headers, one arm installation a breeze. I think mine came with something on the terminals I had to remove but very minor. It has been on for well over 10 years. 71 Charger Superbee 440

I bought my first mini starter back in the late 80's. It would not bolt to my 11" flywheel stick car. That one used a direct drive starter, not the more common gear reduction setup.

I like my mini starter and I did take the terminal extension off. Steel block Hemi, Lakewood scattershield, hooker headers, 12 1/2 compression, works great it has lasted a lot longer than the old gear reduction starter.

Actually there are 2 sizes of mini starters. The early versions (88 to early 90s) are bigger than the later versions. Either will work fine. Also don't be afraid of a used salvage unit which can be had for a song at your local salvage yard off of a mag V6 or V8. Install a fresh set of solenoid contacts for a few bucks to freshen it up and you will be good to go for years to come.

If you got headers...

And you drive on the street...

(And you got a heat-shield)...


Absolutely...

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Also don't be afraid of a used salvage unit which can be had for a song at your local salvage yard off of a mag V6 or V8.

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FI Mag motors start very quickly, little wear on the mini starters. I'm running a salvage mini on my 360 Barracuda. Took off the short extension at the terminals and it was a bolt on. Higher torque spins the engine faster as soon as you touch the key (big improvement). This comes with a trade off, the mini's won't spin over if the battery voltage is weak (OE gear reduction unit would keep on cranking longer, albeit ever slower).