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High torque mini starters

Cadden

Cadden

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Been searching thru. Not quite finding the answer I'm looking for.

I want to go with a high torque mini starter with my engine rebuild. I had heat soak issues from time to time.

But I also like the idea of a smaller starter that doesn't weigh a crap ton.

Anyways. I'm trying to figure out what style I need with the bell housing that I have. The starter bolts thru the housing and not to the block.
I've seen a bunch on motor city k5 and summit (summit was waaay more expensive) but none really specified.
Can anyone suggest a good one that should bolt up without any issues?

20220305_160551.jpg
 
not sure a mini starter will work with that bell housing iirc the flywheel that goes with 1 is larger than the flex plate and car fly wheels. that bell housing is kinda hard to find esp all 3 starter holes in good shape.
 
Why not a mini starter in the block? More options correct?

Also do not use a ford solenoid with a mini starter. They don't work well with the external solenoids like the big GM starters do.
 
I know that the aluminum nose cone of a standard starter won't fit into the hole on that bellhousing. So I would bet against a gear reduction unit with a nose cone not fitting also. There is a Nippendenso one that doesn't have a nose cone, I have one on my big block. I don't know a part number though.
 
Wes Harden said:
not sure a mini starter will work with that bell housing iirc the flywheel that goes with 1 is larger than the flex plate and car fly wheels. that bell housing is kinda hard to find esp all 3 starter holes in good shape.
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I was thinking this but wasn't sure if it would have fitment issues
 
What about a later model Chevy Vortec starter? I think mine is from a 96-99 truck and works fine. You will need different bolts though.
 
swettysblazer said:
What about a later model Chevy Vortec starter? I think mine is from a 96-99 truck and works fine. You will need different bolts though.
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I've heard using later model vortecs works well, but I'm brought back to my early style bell housing and wondering if it'll fit properly
 
The block should have holes for the newer starter. If it will work with your fly wheel you don't need the bell housing mounting
 
I've sold a couple of the vortec style starters, using the block, instead of the bell housing mount. One customer said direct bolt on, and one customer had to grind the inside of the bell housing less then an 1/8 inch for correct fit.
 
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The last Power Master starter I bought for my classic car did not have a nose cone.

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Cadden said:
Did you have a bell housing like mine? I've seen a few like this too and wondered if they might work
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Late on this but my 68 GTO did not have a bellhousing like yours. It does bolt to the engine block and I assume you have the bolt holes there on your engine. Just trying to think of a way to install a high torque mini starter and get rid of the problematic older GM starter.
 
Shawn said:
Late on this but my 68 GTO did not have a bellhousing like yours. It does bolt to the engine block and I assume you have the bolt holes there on your engine. Just trying to think of a way to install a high torque mini starter and get rid of the problematic older GM starter.
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Yes I stopped by the beaching shop and checked. My block has the bolt holes for a starter.
Now I just want to make sure whatever I get fits properly against my bell housing.

20220308_125851.jpg
 
so wait, did 1st gen blazers/Jimmys come with this style bell housing or did i get a franken motor from the previous owner?
 
Cadden said:
so wait, did 1st gen blazers/Jimmys come with this style bell housing or did i get a franken motor from the previous owner?
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It looks the same as what was in my old '68 truck and the '72 K5. I have seen several others.
 
6872xtc said:
It looks the same as what was in my old '68 truck and the '72 K5. I have seen several others.
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I think you're right. After I thought about it, if it wasn't right then when i ordered a stock starter it wouldn't have had the nose cone with the bolt holes in it.

I just tried the 2000 or newer chev 5.3 starter. Doesn't quite fit right. Even though my new block has the holes for a starter the nose of the new one gets hung up on the bolt hole tunnels

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That mini starter that you have, is the wrong one. That fits an ls engine, NOT a vortec 350. That starter won't even line up with the holes in the block. You need the 97 350 type starter. The one you found at summit will work also.
 
500$k5 said:
That mini starter that you have, is the wrong one. That fits an ls engine, NOT a vortec 350. That starter won't even line up with the holes in the block. You need the 97 350 type starter. The one you found at summit will work also.
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Oh thanks for the reply. Ok I'll try a 97. Would really prefer one from autozone or local part stores since they life time warranty them. If that still doesn't work I'll go with the summit one, it'll be delivered tomorrow anyways
 
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