Moparts

BB Mini-Starter Recommendation

Posted By: cjskotni

BB Mini-Starter Recommendation - 09/07/11 04:06 PM

Well my mini-started went out on my Charger (so my body man says) and I find myself in the market for a new one.

I need a decent mini-starter that won't be captured by the headers. The old mini starter was a 440 source special which was not captured afer I ground a tiny bit of metal off of one edge.

The engine is a high-compression BB400 in a '73 Charger with stock(ish) suspension. the only thing that has really changed down there is it currently has Hedman headers (1 3/4" pri) and 3" exhaust. I may be going to TTI's later but for right now, the Hedman's stay.

Can you guys recommend a good source for a mini starter that would work with my combo? I am not necessarily looking for cheapest here but I don't want to spend a ton of money ($200+) either.

Thanks in Advance!!
Posted By: roe

Re: BB Mini-Starter Recommendation - 09/07/11 04:32 PM

The one that I used was recommended by many on here, was just a parts store replacement for a late 90's (IIRC) truck. Turns over fast, lifetime warranty, for about $120 or so. People have had success with these on everything from SB daily drivers, to BB race motors, and everything in between. A lot of ppl will say not to use the parts store stuff, but I've always had good luck with them, and I love the fact that I'll never have to buy another one because of the liftime warranty

roe
Posted By: cjskotni

Re: BB Mini-Starter Recommendation - 09/07/11 04:48 PM

Quote:

The one that I used was recommended by many on here, was just a parts store replacement for a late 90's (IIRC) truck. Turns over fast, lifetime warranty, for about $120 or so. People have had success with these on everything from SB daily drivers, to BB race motors, and everything in between. A lot of ppl will say not to use the parts store stuff, but I've always had good luck with them, and I love the fact that I'll never have to buy another one because of the liftime warranty

roe




Do you remember which brand starter it was?
Posted By: roe

Re: BB Mini-Starter Recommendation - 09/07/11 05:33 PM

It was a Duralast. I had to do very minimal grinding on the case of the starter and its been great. Starts faster than the stocker could even dream of.
Posted By: scratchnfotraction

Re: BB Mini-Starter Recommendation - 09/07/11 06:14 PM

Quote:

Well my mini-started went out on my Charger (so my body man says) and I find myself in the market for a new one.

I need a decent mini-starter that won't be captured by the headers. The old mini starter was a 440 source special which was not captured afer I ground a tiny bit of metal off of one edge.

The engine is a high-compression BB400 in a '73 Charger with stock(ish) suspension. the only thing that has really changed down there is it currently has Hedman headers (1 3/4" pri) and 3" exhaust. I may be going to TTI's later but for right now, the Hedman's stay.

Can you guys recommend a good source for a mini starter that would work with my combo? I am not necessarily looking for cheapest here but I don't want to spend a ton of money ($200+) either.

Thanks in Advance!!



I had a local rebuilder rebuild mine for about 65$

I get them from the u-pull for 14$,all good and only had to have the one rebuilt after the first yr with it.

at the parts store I ask for one for a 93 Dak 5.2 engine or any mid 90s truck/van

dont go to new as the wireing changed to the batt wire and a plug in deal,I had to clip/splice the plug onto my 85 truck.

and the others with have an extetion/adaptor piece you will remove and use the 2 studs on the starter.

IMHO,I would check to see if yours could be rebuilt local for less $

Attached picture 6815147-ministarter.jpg
Posted By: therocks

Re: BB Mini-Starter Recommendation - 09/07/11 06:41 PM

The one in my 12.5 440 is Advanced reman for a 360 Ram.Fits with TTI 2 inch and scattershield.Been in 15 years and no problems.My son runs a Source in his 413.Been in 3 years with 2 1/8 headers and no problems.Rocky
Posted By: roe

Re: BB Mini-Starter Recommendation - 09/07/11 07:21 PM

You cant go wrong with having someone rebuild it either. Personally, I like the security of knowing that I have a lifetime warranty from nation wide parts store chain (autozone), that will replace it for free if it ever goes out. But they seem to hardly ever fail so you may not feel you need the warranty.


PS: if do go with a parts store re-man I suggest Autozone because thier computers are connected. Because of that you dont have to have the receipt for your warranty to be honored. Any store in the nation can pull up your warranty by your phone#. Places like NAPA and Advance dont have connected computers so you have to have the reciept with you to prove purchase. I have the same liftime warranty on my alternator, brake pads...etc. All with Autozone and its honored anywhere in the country.
Posted By: Junky

Re: BB Mini-Starter Recommendation - 09/07/11 08:00 PM

Quote:

You cant go wrong with having someone rebuild it either. Personally, I like the security of knowing that I have a lifetime warranty from nation wide parts store chain (autozone), that will replace it for free if it ever goes out. But they seem to hardly ever fail so you may not feel you need the warranty.


PS: if do go with a parts store re-man I suggest Autozone because thier computers are connected. Because of that you dont have to have the receipt for your warranty to be honored. Any store in the nation can pull up your warranty by your phone#. Places like NAPA and Advance dont have connected computers so you have to have the reciept with you to prove purchase. I have the same liftime warranty on my alternator, brake pads...etc. All with Autozone and its honored anywhere in the country.


Got mine from Autozone. I like lifetime warranties too. Asked for a NEW starter for a 1992 5.2 Dakota PU. Took the extension cap off and it bolted right up. Been on there for over 7 years now. Much quicker starts with it. Turns the engine over faster.
Posted By: roe

Re: BB Mini-Starter Recommendation - 09/07/11 08:48 PM

Now that you mention it, mine was new too. It was only a few bucks more than the reman, and I was even able to use my stock starter as a core (depends on who's behind the counter).
Posted By: moparmaniac07

Re: BB Mini-Starter Recommendation - 09/07/11 08:57 PM

I don't remember what brand my starter is, my dad got it through his work. I think it's just a normal parts store deal for a V8 Ram. It clears my Summit headers on my 440 without a problem. Much easier to install than the original sized ones, though it sounds funny.
Posted By: gtx6970

Re: BB Mini-Starter Recommendation - 09/07/11 09:21 PM

I've used 2 of these so far and no issues, except I had to remove the plastic lug extension on the connector.

http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-1318-new-m...66-snd0088.aspx


One on a St Hemi and one on a 440 , both were on stock cast iron exhaust manifolds
Posted By: cjskotni

Re: BB Mini-Starter Recommendation - 09/08/11 02:34 PM

Thnaks for the ideas guys! It is nice to see that the mini-starter can be had from AutoZone and I see it is in stock in many places! I just hope that rebuilt Duralast can turn over a high compression big block

As always, great information!
Posted By: Robbins

Re: BB Mini-Starter Recommendation - 09/08/11 02:56 PM

Like said above. I have two, one from a 92 1 ton van and from an 89 pickup. Both are different sizes though, and now not like the old big ones. I had pictures of them laying around some where.
Posted By: dangina

Re: BB Mini-Starter Recommendation - 09/09/11 04:08 AM

Quote:

Like said above. I have two, one from a 92 1 ton van and from an 89 pickup. Both are different sizes though, and now not like the old big ones. I had pictures of them laying around some where.



Which one was the smaller one?
Posted By: cjskotni

Re: BB Mini-Starter Recommendation - 09/10/11 07:42 PM

So has anyone here had experience with the more costly starters like the PowerMasters? It appears their starters have 4.4:1 gear reduction which I am guessing menas they are smaller. Some of them also have the adjustable mounting.

Is it worth the $250+ to get these features? Has anyone here used these hi-end units and had good/bad experience with them?

I am concerned with durablility and mounting to clear the headers without grinding on the unit.

Would this be a good invetment over the traditional mini-starter? I just want to buy a starter that doesn't give me more headaches and I can install without having to loosen up the exhaust...

Thanks!
Posted By: roe

Re: BB Mini-Starter Recommendation - 09/11/11 01:53 AM

Quote:


Is it worth the $250+ to get these features? Has anyone here used these hi-end units and had good/bad experience with them?

I am concerned with durablility and mounting to clear the headers without grinding on the unit.

Would this be a good invetment over the traditional mini-starter? I just want to buy a starter that doesn't give me more headaches and I can install without having to loosen up the exhaust...

Thanks!



I personally dont think its worth the $250 for the high end stuff

Durability isn't an issue for the traditional minis from the parts stores. Most guys have had theirs for years with no problems, I just like the lifetime warranty.

The parts store minis are no hassle. You literally grind for about 2 minutes just for clearance. You unbolt a little plastic adapter where the electrical connections are, and there is a set of studs under that plastic adapter that the stock wiring in your classic will fit right onto. Then you bolt it up and have the fastest starting classic you've ever seen.

They fit much easier because they're so small, its easier to install because its so light, they dont heat soak like the stocker...

roe
Posted By: 383man

Re: BB Mini-Starter Recommendation - 09/11/11 08:41 AM

I have a Power Master mini starter on my 440 in my 63 and we have a Dakota mini starter on my sons 400 in his Dart. Both work good and seem to spin the engines over at about the same speed. And both have been on the cars for more them 5 years. Ron
Posted By: cjskotni

Re: BB Mini-Starter Recommendation - 09/11/11 12:32 PM

Quote:

The parts store minis are no hassle. You literally grind for about 2 minutes just for clearance. You unbolt a little plastic adapter where the electrical connections are, and there is a set of studs under that plastic adapter that the stock wiring in your classic will fit right onto. Then you bolt it up and have the fastest starting classic you've ever seen.




I think the starter I have now is exactly what you are referring to. I had to grind a corner off of mine to make it work and take the adapter off the two studs. I guess I was just wondering if there was a way to not have to grind at all. I am just concerned that if I grind at the case to clearance, will they try and not honor the warranty and/or not accept the core?

Quote:

I have a Power Master mini starter on my 440 in my 63 and we have a Dakota mini starter on my sons 400 in his Dart. Both work good and seem to spin the engines over at about the same speed. And both have been on the cars for more them 5 years. Ron




Thnaks for the information. I was a bit concerned a rebuilt OEM 318 mini-starter might not have the "oomph" to turn over a hi-comp 499 BB but it sounds like it works for you.

I am going to go with TTI exhaust once the car is back from the body shop and all purty. Maybe they won't have any clearance issues like the Hedmans do...

I saw Summit had a 4.4:1 gear reduction starter (the traditional mini-starter is 4.0:1 I think) which means it might be even smaller? I was just wondering if this would eliminate all my clearancing issues entirely.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PWM-9513/

Thoughts, experiences with this unit? I am leaning towards the parts store unit but I want to check all my options guys.

Thanks for all the great information!
Posted By: DANA60

Re: BB Mini-Starter Recommendation - 09/11/11 02:20 PM

I just went to my local auto parts store and picked up one for a early 90's 318. My compression is 10.5 and the battery is in the trunk, no probs. I think I paid $125.00 plus I gave them an old POS starter as a a core.

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