Mini Starter...Are You Happy With Yours? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Loose Screw** · 03-10-2026, 09:52 AM

Tryin to uninstall/install an Original 40/50 lb Delco starter around exhaust pipes on your back is not an easy task...

Anybody had any luck with a "Mini" Starter?
Yeah, and I got the off set bolt to block starter with the purple and yellow wire (points) solenoid...

**Sheepdip** · 03-10-2026, 10:06 AM

Have one on all of my "not modern" vehicles including my 1946 CJ2A 4 cylinder Jeep...not that it's hard starting it's just that these things are bullet proof reliable.
Everybody used to make fun of the Crysler gear reduction starter whine back in the day, but those where proven to be the most reliable.

**Palf70Step** · 03-10-2026, 10:14 AM

I put on a Proform Starter Motor (#66256) on my 70 when the original went out. It was a super pain getting out original with full length headers. I used this one as it was one I had from my prior truck's build. Starter has been on this truck almost 4 years, plus year or 2 on last truck. Does great Lot easier to get in especially since I went to shorter headers.

**Steeveedee** · 03-10-2026, 11:38 AM

My mini starter is a Hitachi from a local speed shop. It's been in there for 12 or so years. Works like a champ!

**biketopia** · 03-10-2026, 12:15 PM

A factory gear reduction starter from like a 4.3L S-10 works great and is available at your local parts store. I have one on my Blueprint 427 SBC and it has worked flawlessly.

Shifty One · 03-10-2026, 01:03 PM

I've used them in every Chevrolet I've needed to put a starter in with no issues at all. The only thing that I'd recommend, is don't "long-crank" them, they heat up fairly quickly.

**Loose Screw** · 03-10-2026, 01:13 PM

Thanks My Brothers!

Proform *66268* Spec Sheet Says: 8.3 lbs.

Heres some pix...

mini2.jpg

mini1.JPG

Think I'll get it from Summit, I like their Customer Service compared to the *others*, ~$145 OTD...

**pjmoreland** · 03-10-2026, 01:46 PM

I have a Powermaster 9612 that I installed a few years ago. It has worked fine, and it has no problem clearing my headers. One minor issue I ran into with it was that it sat too far away from the flexplate, so I had to machine about .020" off of it where it sits against the engine block to get the teeth to mesh properly.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/PWM-9612

**Loose Screw** · 03-10-2026, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

I have a Powermaster 9612 that I installed a few years ago. It has worked fine, and it has no problem clearing my headers. One minor issue I ran into with it was that it sat too far away from the flexplate, so I had to machine about .020" off of it where it sits against the engine block to get the teeth to mesh properly.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/PWM-9612

Yeah, a Powermaster *seems* to be a better quality starter than a Proform, nowadays that ain't saying much really. A 9012 Powermaster would need a little more fiddling to work for me though (I have Points) and shimming/machining seems to be more of an occurrence than a Proform. Also Powermaster does have a (.1) better Review Star than Proform...
A Powermaster and the extra resistor wiring I would need for a 9012 to work for me is ~ $100 more than the (hopefully) a plug and play Proform.

*Side note...that will upset some, I do have a 50lbs working 1968 Delco-Remy Starter with a new Duralast solenoid on it, but Man it's Killer installing it!

I'm headed to Summit to buy the Proform right now, Hopefully I'm not back here in 3 months complaining that it pooped out on me......

Shifty One · 03-10-2026, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loose Screw

Thanks My Brothers!

Proform *66268* Spec Sheet Says: 8.3 lbs.

Heres some pix...

mini2.jpg

mini1.JPG

Think I'll get it from Summit, I like their Customer Service compared to the *others*, ~$145 OTD...

You can use the Chevrolet, for example, a 1998 C1500 starter, and get the same one, just add Dorman bolts p/n# 678-107.

**Loose Screw** · 03-10-2026, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shifty One

You can use the Chevrolet, for example, a 1998 C1500 starter, and get the same one, just add Dorman bolts p/n# 678-107.

Yep, I see that, another guy in this thread mentioned that for a 6 cylinder S10, I think it's the same one or a variation. Delco on Rockauto about the same price OTD as a ProForm and the Delco is ~6 pounds heavier...

**Loose Screw** · 03-11-2026, 12:20 AM

Ok, so I ordered the Proform Mini Starter I pictured above.

I haven't really dove into this yet, thought I'd ask Here First...
What About The Starters Front Hold Down Bracket?
My Truck didn't have one when I got it, the mounting hole on my small block and a pieces of all thread off the original starter are there but no bracket...

I will be checking into that.....

**Loose Screw** · 03-11-2026, 12:43 AM

Holy Moly...Summit, Speedway and A1 are selling those Starter Brackets for $70+!
I ordered 1 from AutoZone $13.51 OTD....Hope I get it!

*Edit: ....Hope it fits... but yeah, I'll probably end up having to Blacksmith me a bracket out on the sidewalk with a piece of angle iron, hammer and a Benzomatic with my luck anyway.....

jjzepplin · 03-11-2026, 03:46 AM

My mini starter failed after about 15 years. The front drive wore out. It is a 10:1 compression engine. I bought a stock unit and it is working fine for about 8 years. I made it so that both batteries are hooked up to it when I start and then they separate again. I found a drive for the mini and replaced it and now it sits in a box somewhere. It not the type you picture above. It's a CVS or something. The drive just hangs out with no support on the other side. It's a clockable unit. Worked awesome til it didn't.

mkmc69 · 03-11-2026, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loose Screw

Holy Moly...Summit, Speedway and A1 are selling those Starter Brackets for $70+!
I ordered 1 from AutoZone $13.51 OTD....Hope I get it!

*Edit: ....Hope it fits... but yeah, I'll probably end up having to Blacksmith me a bracket out on the sidewalk with a piece of angle iron, hammer and a Benzomatic with my luck anyway.....

What is the part number for the bracket, if you don't mind?

connorm · 03-11-2026, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loose Screw

Yep, I see that, another guy in this thread mentioned that for a 6 cylinder S10, I think it's the same one or a variation. Delco on Rockauto about the same price OTD as a ProForm and the Delco is ~6 pounds heavier...

They are different starters. I know a guy that only uses the 6 cylinder S10's over C1500's. I believe the S10 starter is smaller, has more torque, and it's maybe cheaper. I think it depends on the source. I personally will be doing an S10 starter when I have to replace my GMC's starter

KQQL IT · 03-11-2026, 10:27 AM

2 sbc
2 454
All same

Ac delco

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 03-11-2026, 10:56 AM

So far great. If I ever see another 10K pound starter again it will be too soon.

ACDelco #337-1022, GM #88877121

**Loose Screw** · 03-11-2026, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkmc69

What is the part number for the bracket, if you don't mind?

Here put this into Google and shop around you'll see what I was talking about.

GM Genuine Parts Starter Bracket 03965589

All the "Build" videos I've seen online never show *this Bracket", I just happened across it in a Venders Parts Drawing.

**Loose Screw** · 03-11-2026, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

So far great. If I ever see another 10K pound starter again it will be too soon.

ACDelco #337-1022, GM #88877121

Beauty, but I got Points...

Aaaand do you have the front hold down bracket on yours?

I better show what I'm talking about...

Brace.jpg

**Loose Screw** · 03-11-2026, 11:24 AM

Yes, and I was told about some "points delete" gizmo that'll fit inside my 1968 distributer. I haven't shopped for it yet, if it even exists. And I know, I know I need to study HEI!

**Steeveedee** · 03-11-2026, 12:14 PM

I had a '69 Nova (wish I still did, nowadays) with 250 CI six and ran points. I got as much as 33k miles out of a tune up. Almost all highway miles.

**MikeB** · 03-11-2026, 01:12 PM

I highly recommend a 1990s AC Delco permanent magnet starter. All kinds of room around the starter. And the engine spins over faster than my old full-size starter.

It's an AC Delco Gold part to fit 350s (and maybe other engines) with 168-tooth flexplate/flywheel. Everything about mine looked brand new, as you can see in the photo.

AC Delco #336-1910A
GM #88864291

I paid $102 for it in 2022 on Amazon. Unfortunately it's now $148, but that's with free Prime delivery. Wish my income would have gone up 45% in the last 4 years!

Instructions are very informative. They call out specific bolt P/Ns you will need to use, which are knurled above the threads, unlike standard bolts.

**Loose Screw** · 03-11-2026, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeB

I highly recommend a 1990s AC Delco permanent magnet starter. All kinds of room around the starter. And the engine spins over faster than my old full-size starter.

It's an AC Delco Gold part to fit 350s (and maybe other engines) with 168-tooth flexplate/flywheel. Everything about mine looked brand new, as you can see in the photo.

AC Delco #336-1910A
GM #88864291

I paid $102 for it in 2022 on Amazon. Unfortunately it's now $148, but that's with free Prime delivery. Wish my income would have gone up 45% in the last 4 years!

Instructions are very informative. They call out specific bolt P/Ns you will need to use, which are knurled above the threads, unlike standard bolts.

By the time you changed to that smaller starter had you ditched your points?

**MikeB** · 03-11-2026, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loose Screw

By the time you changed to that smaller starter had you ditched your points?

Yes. Good point though. No pun intended!

03-10-2026, 09:52 AM	#1
Loose Screw Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2024 Location: EL PASO Posts: 413	Mini Starter...Are You Happy With Yours? Tryin to uninstall/install an Original 40/50 lb Delco starter around exhaust pipes on your back is not an easy task... Anybody had any luck with a "Mini" Starter? Yeah, and I got the off set bolt to block starter with the purple and yellow wire (points) solenoid...

03-10-2026, 10:06 AM	#2
Sheepdip Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Waterford California Posts: 2,892	Re: Mini Starter...Are You Happy With Yours? Have one on all of my "not modern" vehicles including my 1946 CJ2A 4 cylinder Jeep...not that it's hard starting it's just that these things are bullet proof reliable. Everybody used to make fun of the Crysler gear reduction starter whine back in the day, but those where proven to be the most reliable.

03-10-2026, 11:38 AM	#4
Steeveedee Ram-A-Lam-A-Ding-Dong Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 11,899	Re: Mini Starter...Are You Happy With Yours? My mini starter is a Hitachi from a local speed shop. It's been in there for 12 or so years. Works like a champ! __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

03-10-2026, 12:15 PM	#5
biketopia Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Warrenton VA Posts: 1,211	Re: Mini Starter...Are You Happy With Yours? A factory gear reduction starter from like a 4.3L S-10 works great and is available at your local parts store. I have one on my Blueprint 427 SBC and it has worked flawlessly. __________________ 71 c-10 Long Bed, under the knife for a No Limit Engineering Wide Ride Chassis Pack and coil over static drop. 07 Silverado Classic 2wd 95 Camaro 427SBC/TH350

03-10-2026, 01:13 PM	#7
Loose Screw Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2024 Location: EL PASO Posts: 413	Re: Mini Starter...Are You Happy With Yours? Thanks My Brothers! Proform 66268 Spec Sheet Says: 8.3 lbs. Heres some pix... mini2.jpg mini1.JPG Think I'll get it from Summit, I like their Customer Service compared to the others, ~$145 OTD... Attached Images

03-10-2026, 10:14 AM	#3
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 48,486	Re: Mini Starter...Are You Happy With Yours? I put on a Proform Starter Motor (#66256) on my 70 when the original went out. It was a super pain getting out original with full length headers. I used this one as it was one I had from my prior truck's build. Starter has been on this truck almost 4 years, plus year or 2 on last truck. Does great Lot easier to get in especially since I went to shorter headers. Attached Images __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God! Last edited by Palf70Step; 03-10-2026 at 10:21 AM.

03-10-2026, 01:03 PM	#6
Shifty One Registered User Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 970	Re: Mini Starter...Are You Happy With Yours? I've used them in every Chevrolet I've needed to put a starter in with no issues at all. The only thing that I'd recommend, is don't "long-crank" them, they heat up fairly quickly. __________________ 1987 V20 farm-hand rescue 1998 C2500 lot-rot rescue

03-10-2026, 01:46 PM	#8
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 7,023	Re: Mini Starter...Are You Happy With Yours? I have a Powermaster 9612 that I installed a few years ago. It has worked fine, and it has no problem clearing my headers. One minor issue I ran into with it was that it sat too far away from the flexplate, so I had to machine about .020" off of it where it sits against the engine block to get the teeth to mesh properly. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/PWM-9612 Attached Images Last edited by pjmoreland; 03-10-2026 at 01:52 PM.

03-11-2026, 12:20 AM	#12
Loose Screw Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2024 Location: EL PASO Posts: 413	Re: Mini Starter...Are You Happy With Yours? Ok, so I ordered the Proform Mini Starter I pictured above. I haven't really dove into this yet, thought I'd ask Here First... What About The Starters Front Hold Down Bracket? My Truck didn't have one when I got it, the mounting hole on my small block and a pieces of all thread off the original starter are there but no bracket... I will be checking into that.....

03-11-2026, 12:43 AM	#13
Loose Screw Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2024 Location: EL PASO Posts: 413	Re: Mini Starter...Are You Happy With Yours? Holy Moly...Summit, Speedway and A1 are selling those Starter Brackets for $70+! I ordered 1 from AutoZone $13.51 OTD....Hope I get it! Edit: ....Hope it fits... but yeah, I'll probably end up having to Blacksmith me a bracket out on the sidewalk with a piece of angle iron, hammer and a Benzomatic with my luck anyway..... Last edited by Loose Screw; 03-11-2026 at 12:53 AM.*

03-11-2026, 03:46 AM	#14
jjzepplin Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ruskin Florida Posts: 4,709	Re: Mini Starter...Are You Happy With Yours? My mini starter failed after about 15 years. The front drive wore out. It is a 10:1 compression engine. I bought a stock unit and it is working fine for about 8 years. I made it so that both batteries are hooked up to it when I start and then they separate again. I found a drive for the mini and replaced it and now it sits in a box somewhere. It not the type you picture above. It's a CVS or something. The drive just hangs out with no support on the other side. It's a clockable unit. Worked awesome til it didn't. __________________ 70 swb 4x4 406sbc 700r4 203/205 d60/14blt locker yadda yadda http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...88#post6935688 Yeller 72 Blazer 2wd conversion project "No Daggum Money" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=550804 LS1-T56 3.73 LSD super budget build Blanco-2014 Sierra SWB https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=810350

03-11-2026, 10:27 AM	#17
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,447	Re: Mini Starter...Are You Happy With Yours? 2 sbc 2 454 All same Ac delco __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment "

03-11-2026, 10:56 AM	#18
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,689	Re: Mini Starter...Are You Happy With Yours? So far great. If I ever see another 10K pound starter again it will be too soon. ACDelco #337-1022, GM #88877121 __________________ Tony 1971 C10 Custom Deluxe SWB 402/400TH A/C I developed an assembly information kit for restoring my truck from nuts and bolts. It's written in Assy. order, short & simple, packed with all OEM hardware ID; castings; part ID; 100s of part numbers; wiring simple - Resource, and trivial too. Much info. applies to all 67-72 GM, A/C vehicles, esp. trucks W/O saying. Full search ability, including to 700+ images of illus., parts, charts, Assy., points of interest, cab, bed, & front clip cart plans- Specials and cores were serviced out and R excluded e.g. front/rear glass, body/paint, engine core, rebuilt hinges, steering box, trans, etc. The project was in-line with long former professions developing process, policy, specs, demo, written for novices, admin., policy, engineers, development, systems & test - Public & govt 2, gross. Sell soft copy cheaply, PM if interested.Build thread:https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025

03-11-2026, 11:24 AM	#21
Loose Screw Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2024 Location: EL PASO Posts: 413	Re: Mini Starter...Are You Happy With Yours? Yes, and I was told about some "points delete" gizmo that'll fit inside my 1968 distributer. I haven't shopped for it yet, if it even exists. And I know, I know I need to study HEI!

03-11-2026, 12:14 PM	#22
Steeveedee Ram-A-Lam-A-Ding-Dong Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 11,899	Re: Mini Starter...Are You Happy With Yours? I had a '69 Nova (wish I still did, nowadays) with 250 CI six and ran points. I got as much as 33k miles out of a tune up. Almost all highway miles. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA



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03-11-2026, 01:12 PM	#23
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 4,035	Re: Mini Starter...Are You Happy With Yours? I highly recommend a 1990s AC Delco permanent magnet starter. All kinds of room around the starter. And the engine spins over faster than my old full-size starter. It's an AC Delco Gold part to fit 350s (and maybe other engines) with 168-tooth flexplate/flywheel. Everything about mine looked brand new, as you can see in the photo. AC Delco #336-1910A GM #88864291 I paid $102 for it in 2022 on Amazon. Unfortunately it's now $148, but that's with free Prime delivery. Wish my income would have gone up 45% in the last 4 years! Instructions are very informative. They call out specific bolt P/Ns you will need to use, which are knurled above the threads, unlike standard bolts. Attached Images __________________ Mike 1969 Custom/10 LWB -- owned for 37 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. Hedman stainless headers. Old Air installation in progress. 1982 Custom Deluxe 10 SWB -- converted from 250-six to roller cam 350 w/ Vortec heads -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB, 305, TH350C -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) which I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 26 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then! Last edited by MikeB; 03-11-2026 at 01:34 PM.

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