Header/Starter Clearance - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Hawker7 · 08-09-2009, 09:18 AM

I'm running Summit ceramic headers, and a mini starter from Skip White and the starter touches the header. Is anyone else running this combo and have this issue?

Mudder · 08-09-2009, 10:13 AM

Believe that is a little too close.

cdowns · 08-09-2009, 11:45 AM

speedway motors has a set of pipes to use with blockhugger headers to solve the problem

Sinister · 08-09-2009, 11:58 AM

Might want to try one of those mini starters that are "clockable" specifically for header clearance.

Hawker7 · 08-09-2009, 12:08 PM

Is there a fix that won't cost any $$$$? How bad is it that the header touches? The headers only get 250 degree's when running. Will that ruin a starter?

Mudder · 08-09-2009, 12:11 PM

I replaced my starter every year until I put a heat wrap around it.

**PICKMUP** · 08-09-2009, 01:48 PM

I had that same problem with Hooker Comp headers.
I now use these stainless headers that have nice header clearance. They do require a small trim in the MM towers, but pretty simple.

**PICKMUP** · 08-09-2009, 01:52 PM

Here's the Hookers...
I think some of the guys on here can ID some headers that may clear everything. I like these SS headers so well, that I am willing to do a minor MM tower trim. They don't rust & they have nice thick 3/8" flanges.

dakman · 08-11-2009, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PICKMUP

I had that same problem with Hooker Comp headers.
I now use these stainless headers that have nice header clearance. They do require a small trim in the MM towers, but pretty simple.

who make's them? Thanks!

turp mcspray · 08-09-2009, 02:18 PM

Can you take a porta-power and push the header out just a touch. I've done this in the past with a set that needed just a little more clearance. That would be the only way I could think of that wouldn't cost any $$. By the way where did you come up with the 250 degrees? Just curious.

Hawker7 · 08-09-2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turp mcspray

Can you take a porta-power and push the header out just a touch. I've done this in the past with a set that needed just a little more clearance. That would be the only way I could think of that wouldn't cost any $$. By the way where did you come up with the 250 degrees? Just curious.

They are ceramic coated so I don't think that is an option. It would probably crack it. I used a infrared temperature gun to get the temps after the engine was warmed up. The headers were 250, and as soon as it got to the collector that was just metal the temp went up to 400. Ceramic coating works well.

petey-pablo · 08-10-2009, 06:05 AM

Dont know but maybe you could use one of these Starter Mounting Blocks, that alow you to rotate it alittle..

mclairmo · 08-10-2009, 06:51 PM

I have that same starter and you can rotate the starter motor relative to the mounting block. Just remove the three bolts that hold the starter motor to the aluminum mounting block and rotate the starter motor 180 degrees so the solenoid is facing down not up. Do not pull the motor from the mounting block. Keep them together as one unit. Just turn the starter motor while it is still attached to the mounting block. You will have to remove the entire starter assembly from the engine to do this. Also, two of the mounting bolts go in from the front and are easy to see and one goes in from the back and is kinda hidden. I believe it requires an allen wrench or socket to get it out. Problem solved.

Hawker7 · 08-10-2009, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mclairmo

I have that same starter and you can rotate the starter motor relative to the mounting block. Just remove the three bolts that hold the starter motor to the aluminum mounting block and rotate the starter motor 180 degrees so the solenoid is facing down not up. Do not pull the motor from the mounting block. Keep them together as one unit. Just turn the starter motor while it is still attached to the mounting block. You will have to remove the entire starter assembly from the engine to do this. Also, two of the mounting bolts go in from the front and are easy to see and one goes in from the back and is kinda hidden. I believe it requires an allen wrench or socket to get it out. Problem solved.

This is what I was looking for. Thanks, I will try this soon.

**special-K** · 08-10-2009, 09:15 PM

I thought the whole point of mini starters is header clearance.I`ve never had clearance problems using stock starters.Those headers must not be made right.

mclairmo · 08-10-2009, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

I thought the whole point of mini starters is header clearance.I`ve never had clearance problems using stock starters.Those headers must not be made right.

You are correct, mini starters are great for header clearance, if you adjust the position of the starter motor in relation to its mounting block. They often are not set up correctly out of the box and must be re-adjusted, especially for big blocks. The headers OP is running are fine. Starter just needs to be rotated 180 degrees to get that solenoid pointing down instead of up. That's how I have it in my 396. That's the only way to get it to fit and it leaves plenty of clearance for headers in that position.

**PICKMUP** · 08-11-2009, 10:12 PM

I don't know WHO makes them. I buy them from a wholesaler in "no name" boxes. I sell them for $350 a set.

08-09-2009, 09:18 AM	#1
Hawker7 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 321	Header/Starter Clearance I'm running Summit ceramic headers, and a mini starter from Skip White and the starter touches the header. Is anyone else running this combo and have this issue? Attached Images

08-09-2009, 10:13 AM	#2
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Re: Header/Strarter Clearance Believe that is a little too close.

08-09-2009, 11:45 AM	#3
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Header/Strarter Clearance speedway motors has a set of pipes to use with blockhugger headers to solve the problem __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

08-09-2009, 11:58 AM	#4
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Re: Header/Strarter Clearance Might want to try one of those mini starters that are "clockable" specifically for header clearance. __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...

08-09-2009, 12:08 PM	#5
Hawker7 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 321	Re: Header/Strarter Clearance Is there a fix that won't cost any $$$$? How bad is it that the header touches? The headers only get 250 degree's when running. Will that ruin a starter?

08-09-2009, 12:11 PM	#6
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Re: Header/Strarter Clearance I replaced my starter every year until I put a heat wrap around it.

08-09-2009, 01:48 PM	#7
PICKMUP "Trucks with Class" Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: OLYMPIA, WA, USA Posts: 8,144	Re: Header/Strarter Clearance I had that same problem with Hooker Comp headers. I now use these stainless headers that have nice header clearance. They do require a small trim in the MM towers, but pretty simple. Attached Images

08-09-2009, 01:52 PM	#8
PICKMUP "Trucks with Class" Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: OLYMPIA, WA, USA Posts: 8,144	Re: Header/Strarter Clearance Here's the Hookers... I think some of the guys on here can ID some headers that may clear everything. I like these SS headers so well, that I am willing to do a minor MM tower trim. They don't rust & they have nice thick 3/8" flanges. Attached Images Last edited by PICKMUP; 08-09-2009 at 01:57 PM.

08-09-2009, 02:18 PM	#10
turp mcspray Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Rapid City South Dakota Posts: 2,359	Re: Header/Strarter Clearance Can you take a porta-power and push the header out just a touch. I've done this in the past with a set that needed just a little more clearance. That would be the only way I could think of that wouldn't cost any $$. By the way where did you come up with the 250 degrees? Just curious. __________________ Turp Mcspray New life for an old 2wd, farm blazer http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=505987 My Blazer build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342299

08-10-2009, 06:05 AM	#12
petey-pablo "THE GREEN GOBLIN" Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Fremont Ca. Posts: 1,025	Re: Header/Strarter Clearance Dont know but maybe you could use one of these Starter Mounting Blocks, that alow you to rotate it alittle.. Attached Images __________________ Petey-pablo "THE GREEN GOBLIN" 1972 Cheyenne 10 Short Fleet Side Front 2.5inch Spindles with 2inch Springs Rear 4inch drop Springs. 454BBC TH400,Posi 1971 Cheyenne 10 Long Fleet Side 454BBC TH350,Posi Sold Drive it like you stole it! Petey-pablo@sbcglobal.net Last edited by petey-pablo; 08-10-2009 at 06:06 AM.

08-10-2009, 06:51 PM	#13
mclairmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Take Off Posts: 1,908	Re: Header/Strarter Clearance I have that same starter and you can rotate the starter motor relative to the mounting block. Just remove the three bolts that hold the starter motor to the aluminum mounting block and rotate the starter motor 180 degrees so the solenoid is facing down not up. Do not pull the motor from the mounting block. Keep them together as one unit. Just turn the starter motor while it is still attached to the mounting block. You will have to remove the entire starter assembly from the engine to do this. Also, two of the mounting bolts go in from the front and are easy to see and one goes in from the back and is kinda hidden. I believe it requires an allen wrench or socket to get it out. Problem solved. Last edited by mclairmo; 08-10-2009 at 06:55 PM.

08-10-2009, 09:15 PM	#15
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,852	Re: Header/Strarter Clearance I thought the whole point of mini starters is header clearance.I`ve never had clearance problems using stock starters.Those headers must not be made right. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

08-11-2009, 10:12 PM	#17
PICKMUP "Trucks with Class" Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: OLYMPIA, WA, USA Posts: 8,144	Re: Header/Strarter Clearance I don't know WHO makes them. I buy them from a wholesaler in "no name" boxes. I sell them for $350 a set.



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