Starter replacement

R&R'd the starter in my big block,'73 Dart Sport today. It was a Speedmaster mini that completely gave up the ghost. $130 bucks at Napa produced the exact same body, terminals, etc. Could of swore the last one (spare) I bought for the Challenger was about $60-$80 bucks???? I had to unbolt the TTI header, remove the plugs, the valve cover (Indy cast), and the torsion bar to get it done. The starter didn't look cooked but I imagine they are subjected to some pretty good heat from the huge pipes running through there. Anyone else cooking starters with TTI under chassis stuff? Should I build a heat shield?

It can't hurt, can it

I used the dei started wrap in both of mine.

I definitely would. either heat or poor quality or Murphys law (or a combo of both).