Mini starter question?

[kingnothin_36]

Has anyone bought one of these mini starters from ebay? I need to buy a mini starter with this type of bolt pattern to fix my hot start issues, but I was wondering if these are a good starter or if they are just trying to rip people off. For the price ($75.00) you really can't beat it. Thanks for your help.

[DirtyLarry]

Yes, the mini starters great starters in general. I am not too sure about the ones on ebay though. I have been running the later model GM gear reduction mini starters for about 10 years on my 350, 454 and now 8.1L. The nice thing is they are a direct bolt on and never had one fail. Also just added one to my '72 C20 with a freshly swapped in TBI 5.7L

The only real cure for hot start issues is to get rid of headers!

[scott's69]

I bought one dirt cheap last year and have had no problems and know others that have bought from ebay. Good luck

[cparman]

I got a mini starter from the local speed show for $150.00 I would think you will get what you pay for. Might suggest a starter blanket as well.

[leddzepp]

I love my mini starter....solved all of the problems associated with the OEM one

[Hawker7]

what kind of problems are there with the OEM's?

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by Hawker7

what kind of problems are there with the OEM's?

They weigh a TON
Clearance issues if you run certain headers
Excessive heat causes the solenoid to fail

[Ram-Man]

I bough one on ebay about a year ago for $70. Cranked like crazy no complaints. It was the other style with the billet block that will work with both size flywheels.

[Wootdog]

To get around the heat problem, all you have to do is go to the help section at most auto parts stores. They have a cover that goes around the soleniod. It acts as heat displacer. Since I have installed it on my C10 and Z28, no problems with the engines being hard to start after the headers get hot. And the price was around 10-15 bucks.
Kerry

[kelsfine69]

I would go this way if you can afford it. Not sure on price tho. I had heat soak problems for years and this fixed it good. Headers are not an issue now.

http://www.powermastermotorsports.co..._starters.html

[dwcsr]

I got that same one and have had no issues. Get some angled shims just incase you need to shim it. I had to use one of the thinner ones in the pack.
FYI
http://www.thehollisterroadcompany.c...20install.html

I have had no hot start issues since doing this. Make sure the mount surface and the bolts hole are clean and use new bolts.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Thanks Tooter,
After I posted last night I continued online and found those sheet metal shields from $9.99 on eBay to over $30. I also found the insulating blankets with Velcro (which is better? Use BOTH?)

My questions are these:

If my starter is ALREADY not working when it gets hot, is this problem "fixed" permanently by installing a shield/blanket now? Or has some kind of "damage" been done that I am just putting off fixing by installing one of these?

Should I just get a new starter -mini or OEM - and get on with it?

[67chevemall]

one of the best upgrades you can get...no more heat issues...and they sound cool.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Small...-/190496218932


Been running the CVR one for 6 years now...no issues

[Dan in Pasadena]

Damn, I'm at work and can't access eBay from here. Have to wait til tonight to see what you sent...but thanks!

[67chevemall]

http://cvrproducts.com/protorque-sta...et-gm-engines/

ebay has em for $160 get what you pay for 4 sure

[hjewell2]

Originally Posted by kingnothin_36

Has anyone bought one of these mini starters from ebay? I need to buy a mini starter with this type of bolt pattern to fix my hot start issues, but I was wondering if these are a good starter or if they are just trying to rip people off. For the price ($75.00) you really can't beat it. Thanks for your help.

GM Mini Starter pt# 6449 new $110.00 Make sure to get the correct bolts for the starter staggerd pattern 168 tooth flywheel.

[Wootdog]

Resurrecting this older thread to ask if anyone knows what "cover" Wootdog is speaking of? Is this a part made for starter solenoids or is he talking about header wrap, wrapped around the solenoid?

I was doing a search on mini starters and found some very solid testimonials for the $75 mini's on eBay - was/am going that way unless I don't need to...for awhile.

I would go to Napa. Get a rebuilt starter. Have it tested before you leave the store. Buy the Help cover Or Doormans brand. It is a cover that you install around the starter solenoid. It is held on by the small screws on the solenoid that attach it to the starter. Like I stated two to three years ago, no more problems. You can spend alot or a little it is up to you. I have alot of cars so I try the inexpensive way.
Kerry