Mini starters

[Oldguy]

Just had a brain fade. Will the mini starters fit big blocks with auto? Seems they should but I'm not sure. Would really help my clearance problem on my gasser replica. thanx Mike

[fosh69]

I bought a starter for a late model dakota... it's the same size as all the mini starters currently being sold. The two most noticeable problems are 1. the solenoid studs are right next to the block unless you buy the advertised "light-weight" starter for B engines which will have an extra little piece attached that "kicks over" to clear the block and 2. with my el cheapo headers (dunno the brand) the #1 tube interferes with the starter motor body. This can be cured by bending and tweaking, but you still have to deal with the wire connection issue.

So, as far as starters go, big and small block can have the same starter, just be aware of those two areas... As for fitment with manifolds or other header brands, that remains to be told. I would assume manifolds wouldn't pose any problems.

[Oldguy]

Okay! Thanks for the info. I thought the mini starters would solve my problem. Now to pick one up and see how close the steering box will be. I'm using a set of the swoopy header type manifolds. Stage 2 if I remember correctly. I'll have to go out and get a couple of pics and post them in a bit. Thanks for the time you took to answer. Mike

[Rodger]

Sir

If you are using any year of or design of a OEM MoPar
Exhaust Manifold, all Starters will fit.

The wiring will not be effected from close-ness of
heatd from the tubes either ( in the same manner ).

If you do worry about this Exhaust Heat to the
Starter, use a heat shield much like the design from
a late seventy's Slant Six ( check a pick & pull ).



Rodger & Gabby
COS

[Oldguy]

Thanks Roger, but you didn't understand my problem. I have a clearance problem with the steering box on the gasser replica I'm building, not a problem with the manifold. I'm putting my 350 Mopar engine in a 49 Dodge pilot house and I really didn't want to change to a different type of steering. There is a link to my project in my signature. Thanks for the info though since I am sure someone will get use from it. Once again thanks for the interest! Mike

[Rodger]

Mike

Ahhh, I under-stand now. Its that 1958 350 cubed v8's
fault for not fitting into the 1949 Trucks designed space.

I do know that a lot of 318/360 sized V8's are moved to
the passenger side up to two inches for this same reason
when placed in Chrysler's and other such cars.

*******************************************************************
Did you know the National De Soto Club is going to be
having its annual meeting at the Alantis Hotel/Casino
next July ?

hmmmmnn
*******************************************************************



Rodger & Gabby
COS

[Oldguy]

Yep! Darned engine just isn't co-operating. It really isn't too noticeable but I did slid it a bit to the passenger side. BYW I posted some new pics showing the exact problem. I think the mini will fix that part. the manifolds look pretty good also. Mike

[Oldguy]

Oh yeah, I almost forgot about the DeSoto get together. I'm looking forward to seeing the great cars. You coming down? Mike

[65alive]

I've got one on the 383/auto in my '65, I had to take off a stud extension that was on the stock starter, but it fits nice with stock manifolds and starts MUCH better.

[nfury8]

The electrical stud extensions vary by year I found. I have the minis on all my Mopars!

The extensions lift and offset the terminals, which works ok on small blocks, but on my
440 and 400, the extensions were raised enough they hit the block. They just bolt on,
so no problem to remove.

There are slight variations in minis. As I recall, seems I had the best luck looking
at the ones from 1994. For some reason they were cheaper??

[Oldguy]

Okay, I'll check out the 94 units. Thanks. Mike