Technical Sbc mini starter

Hi.

My 51 Plymouth is finally ready for cruising. My starter doesn't want to work once the 350 engine gets hot so I'm hoping a new mini starter will help. I've tried an internet search and it is hard to find current recommendations. What is the best mini starter for a 1971-ish 350?
Thanks.
John

 

Lots of opinions on this, but I used the one Summit sells for 129? Now, a few years back. It’s clock-able and has dual mount holes and comes with starter bolts. Only thing about it is I had to take the ring lug off my start wire and put a spade lug on it, but it’s held fine for a few years without issues. Also comes with shims, but wasn’t needed for me.

 

what makes you think it is starter lot of reasons for hot start timing too far advanced,overheating, if is indeed a starter a oem would be cheaper

 

Thanks. I have been looking at that one.

 

I've had good luck with this company.https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-3HP-STARTER-for-SBC-BBC-CHEVY-305-350-454-SUPER-MEGA-TORQUE-MT200-18493/132211951749?hash=item1ec8724885:g:mmwAAOSwNbVeyilp:sc:ShippingMethodStandard!

 

It starts perfectly when it is cold. The exhaust is kind of close to the starter and sbc are known for hot start issues. A mini starter was actually recommended from the muffler shop as well.

 

When I was younger, changing out a Chevrolet starter was pretty simple. Now, laying on my back with the car of Jack stands, I don’t have the poop I once had. The mini starter was a simple lift and place with one hand and start the bolts with the other. Damned starters got a lot heavier that’s they used to be

 

Meziere makes the best one in my opinion. We have on on our 14-1 dirt track all iron 422” and never fails. Our exhaust is not near it however. I would fab a shield if your exhaust is close and attach it to the exhaust. .
Back in the late 60’s and early 70’s Chevrolet and GMC pickups had an air director mounted on the frame rail aiming air at the starter from the front of the engine. It was about 3” high and 6” long.

 

Look at direct replacement one that fits a 1999 K2500 Suburban with a 454.
https://www.dbelectrical.com/products/starter-chevrolet-gmc-cadillac-many-models-sdr0019-l.html

 

I agree to what Salt Flats says above I put them in most everything including my daily driver 64 El Camino

 

Or put a heat shield over your present starter ..

 

if you use the later model OEM starter, make sure you get the right bolts for it...they have the normal US threads, but a metric size shank.

this is the starter for a 99 truck with a small block, $60 plus shipping from rock auto.



That's probably what I would do.

 

I also have used DB electric for years. Purchased many starters at a good price.

 

Have never yet wore out a late model GM starter like squirrel showed a picture off. Started a stout 468 for many years without a hiccup. Heat soak never seems to bother them. I haven’t used one of the old style started in close to 30 years.

 

Robbmc.com makes the best starter. I would recommend getting the nose cone option for pinion support. We use them all the time. Excellent quality and American made. Somewhat pricey, but you get what you pay for.

Bill

 

Sorry, the link is robbmcperformance.com

 

Powermaster, Made in USA. One for a SBC cost me less than 120$ shipped from Amazon.

 

Very timely for me. I trust Squirrel's advice, will order one of those.

 

I used one from Speedway on my 64 Chevy truck. It was probably their least expensive one. It's been on the truck for around 7 or 8 years and works perfectly.

 

These are factory permanent-magnet or mini-starters
After research, here is what I found:

153 Tooth, straight bolt pattern starter from a 1996 Caprice w/LT1 5.7. Rock Auto link:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...5.7l+v8,1037506,electrical,starter+motor,4152

168 Tooth, staggered bolt pattern starter from a 1999 C1500 w/Vortec 5.7. Rock Auto link:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...5.7l+v8,1352955,electrical,starter+motor,4152

Brand NEW AC/Delco or Remy are around $100.

 

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate the advice

 

The aftermarket mini starters came out before the OEMs started installing them on new cars.
So many people don't realize that the OEM ones are really good, and there usually is no need to get a more expensive aftermarket unit.

 

I've installed three of these brand-new factory replacement mini-starters with zero issues -->
1961 Bel Air with 350 and two OT Camaros with small-blocks. Easy and cheap.

 

this is the starter for a 99 truck with a small block, $60 plus shipping from rock auto.

View attachment 4949824


Would that one perhaps also work on an 1987 Caprice 350?

 

rockauto would be my first choice

 

The GM starter pictured appears to require the staggered block bolt pattern vs the straight across block bolt pattern . It also has only one set of mounting holes which leads me to believe it fits either 168 tooth OR 153 tooth flywheels , but not both . There may also be an issue between the starter nose cone & some bellhousings , someone ,I'm sure , can verify....

 

I have two of these permanent magnet, small block Chevrolet starters, but in MY case, the bolts are metric threads, and the shanks fit fine (???). One's on my daily driver truck with a stroker 305 (334 CID) using a 168 tooth flexplate. The other is destined for my 468 CID BBC bracket car motor. I also have one for a 153 tooth flexplate/flywheel sitting in it's box. They were all E-Bay purchasers, and the one in my truck works great; they were all less than $80.00 including shipping, complete with the starter solenoid, shims and bolts (did't need any shimming).
I am Butch/56sedandelivery.

 

The one shown is the stagger bolt pattern for the 168 tooth flywheel. The nose cones work just like the full size ones, regarding 153/168, etc. But the bolt shank holes are metric, so you need to make sure you use the correct bolts.

I'd do some double checking if I were you. The bolt holes in the SBC are not metric! they are 3/8-16. But the shank on the special bolts to use the metric starter on the SBC is two different sizes, it changes at the point where the bolt enters the block.



This has been discussed before on the HAMB, with part numbers...

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/mini-starter-sbc.1156161/

 

Had the same problem, 3 starters latter still no good. Fixed my vaper lock problem and my starter problem went away. Fuel was boiling in carburetor , check temp at fuel pump and carburetor

 

153 Tooth --> straight bolt pattern starter.
168 Tooth --> staggered bolt pattern starter.