ideas for saving starters...

[mike reeh]

I run my base timing very very advanced and I have the problem of busting starters when Im trying to start the motor and it kicks back.. Not to mention it sounds like HELL. People in parking lots or drive thrus JUMP when I crank my truck over.. If it was just running within the last 10 minutes, its really bad. The first 1/4 revolution of the flywheel and it will KICK BACK making the hell noise. While the thought of breaking starters doesnt thrill me, Im mostly worried about breaking the starter pad on the engine block (yeah I have the brace but I usually run a mini starter, which is currently broke)..

ANYWAYS--- I was wondering what I could do to get around this... I know some high performance ignition boxes have a timing retard during engine cranking.. which is nice but i just have regular HEI at the moment. I was thinking of wiring a very small button somewhere on my dash, where, when I push it, would kill power to the distributor.. I think that once the engine gets to regular cranking speed, its ok to fire off, and I would release the button... its that first, slow 1/4 revolution that gets me every time.

Anyone have that dash (or inside cab) mounted dial for adjusting timing? I think MSD made it if i remember correctly.. Id love to also have the ability to tune the timing whilst driving....

mike