Best starter for long tube headers
 

Good morning! My 70 C10 has a 350 with Hooker stainless headers and I recently started to have issues with sluggish starting after heat soak. I just have a Delco starter installed and I did do a DEI heat wrap but that hasn't completely stopped the sluggish start. It starts fine when cold. I am wondering if there is a better starter to combat heat soak. Price doesn't really matter so if you have any suggestions please let me know. Thanks

Re: Best starter for long tube headers
 

I Headmen headers no heat shield been on for 10 years, starters are a crapshoot anymore. I have good lick with Napa ,has the starter been changed lately .still under warranty? Might pull it and take it in for a test .May be a weak coil in dist.:but::but:

Re: Best starter for long tube headers
 

I installed a new starter about 4 years ago when I was finishing up my restoration. I had the engine rebuilt and changed it at that time. The truck has about 900 miles on it since May 2021 when resto was complete.

Re: Best starter for long tube headers
 

I use an AC Delco starter from a mid 90ish Tahoe. I bought it off Rock Auto 6 or so years ago.
I run Heddman headers mid length w/1 5/8" primaries.

Re: Best starter for long tube headers
 

Get a high torque mini starter. The DEI heat wrap will help for a while on the stock larger size starter, but will eventually have issues. I installed a mini starter and threw on the DEI wrap since I already had it. Problem solved, no more heat soaking issues. Fires right up, no matter how hot the motor is.

Re: Best starter for long tube headers
 

Could be engine is tight. Only 900 miles...you need to run the engine more and break it in better after you get the starter in order. High torque starter is good especially if you upped the compression. The DEI wrap is a very good product, but be careful. The foil conducts electricity and can short your starter/solinode leads.

Re: Best starter for long tube headers
 

337-1022 ac delco

Re: Best starter for long tube headers
 

When I put my truck together in 2012 I spec'ed out a mini gear reduction starter from a 2003 3500 8.1L from NAPA. It's starting a snotty 383 with heddman headers. Have about 35K since the frame off.

Re: Best starter for long tube headers
 

OP should probably start with some troubleshooting before deciding what the trouble is.

Re: Best starter for long tube headers
 

I don't believe it is a tight motor needing break in. I worked fine for about 600 miles before starting to act up. The hest wrap did help a pot but it's not perfect. I have been looking at the mini starters but not sure which one to buy.

Re: Best starter for long tube headers
 

I got 16 years out of my last Starter. It was a Checker Auto reman of an Autolite built along AC Delco Remy lines. I tried a wrap that was several layers of thick foil, but it held the heat in. I went to a fender mounted remote solenoid. Sometimes called a Ford Solenoid. About $25 from Jegs.

Re: Best starter for long tube headers
 

I also suggest a High torque mini starter.

I have used these on several of my trucks in the past and they have lasted a long time.

Re: Best starter for long tube headers
 

That's the one I like to use. Available anywhere, heat doesn't bother it, small and light. There is a heat shield for it as well.

Re: Best starter for long tube headers
 

Have 4 of them on our fleet of old trucks.
2 454s 1 400 sbc 1 350
1/2 the draw ish and spins my 400 with 36° locked distributor like nothing

Re: Best starter for long tube headers
 

What is the timing set at? If the distributor was not tightened down well it could have slipped, and advanced. I would check that first, unless it was a reman from a big box store, then it could just be a POS. I bought a NAPA reman about six years ago and am running Hedman mid-length Chevelle hedders, they hug the starter, and have had no issues with hard cranking when hot. BUT. I only have about 500 miles on the rebuild. Only 9:1 compression though..