Are all mini starters created equal?

My latest project is a 451 quench engine with 440 Source heads. IIRC, the compression ratio comes in somewhere in the mid 10's.

It has a remanufactured mini starter for a 1989 Gran Fury 318 from Rock Auto. I bought one of the more expensive ones they sold in hopes of getting a quality starter. This, after discovering that a new MP mini starter now costs over $250. Maybe I made a bad decision.

I have another car with a 500-inch 440 with around 11:1 CR that has a real MP mini starter that has worked great for years.

The 451 kicks back on the starter when the engine is hot, with the base timing set at 14* BTDC. The 500 runs at 18* BTDC and starts just fine when it is hot. The 451 uses a brand new, higher CCA Napa Legend battery than the 500. I really don't think I have a battery problem. I've tightened the cables on the lugs, made sure the battery-to-ground cable is tight, all the usual first things to check.

I'm wondering if the issue is my starter, and if plunking down the cash for a MP unit would solve my problem. Of course, I could swap the starters between the two cars, and I will if no one can else has been down the same path and can save me trouble by enlightening me with their findings.

Thank you.

http://store.440source.com/Premium-Light-Weight-High-Torque-Mini-Starter/productinfo/123%2D1000/

Dang. I paid almost that much for a reman. Of all the things 440 Source sells, I somehow missed that one. Thanks!

a kick back can break the snout off a mini starter. the top mounting hole on the mini is too large for the 7/16" bolt or stud. I put a sleeve in that hole to reduce (or eliminate) the effects of kick back.

I used a junk yard $30 starter off of a V6 Dak. Engine was 499 Indy head with 15.9 comp. built at McCandless shop by Kenny L. Never had a problem firing up, spun ove fast. I won't pay $200-$300 for a starter when they do the same job. Even use one wire Toyota alternators, $30. Cheap, maybe, but the good money goes to the pricy stuff.

Brand new Delco starter, cheaper than 440source

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=3468450&cc=1090909&jsn=437

89 Diplomat

Supercuda, that might be the one I have. It is definitely Delco, maybe I was wrong about it being remanufactured. I bought it a couple of years ago. Now I need to dig through my receipts and find out.

I've always used junkyard OEM's, but they are getting scarce around here

that one I linked is used up till 1990, then a different one is specified (even cheaper than the one I linked).

1995 Dak 318 was specified in the look up

I run a reman from SAdvance.Been in my 12.5 compression 440 since 2000.Still starts it like a /6.My kid used the Source one.The ones I use are for a 360 as ther are at least 2 different one.The 360 for say a 99 Ram has more power.Rocky