Opinions on Starter covers?

[badmix]

I had my starter go bad a couple years ago due to heat sink. Ive got a couple oil leaks that will eventually get taken care of and im running headers.

Is it worth running a wrap around starter cover?

 

[dremu]

Whether stock smallblock or performance bigblock, I always use a heatshield on the *solenoid*. I've never bothered with the starter proper.

http://www.dormanproducts.com/p-3269-45629.aspx

I also used AC Delco starters. Haven't had to replace a starter since.

-- A

 

[ryoken]

mini starter, no need for a shield... easier to install being a plus too...

 

[ChrisPerry]

Mini starter FTW. With the full size starter a heat shield is a must.

 

[nvrenuf]

Fwiw, I bought a clockable mini starter off of ebay. I spun the solenoid 180* so it hangs straight down now. It sounds like it would be vulnerable but it's still tucked up in the frame and header area so I don't think it would ever get hit.

 

[Stomis]

Wrapping does wonders too. If you don't like the wrapped look just do it near the starter for function.

 

[ryoken]

it also voids all header warranties...

 

[Stomis]

it also voids all header warranties...

Really? I never even knew headers had warranties...

 

[ryoken]

yup, for as much as anyone cares.. all the manny's afaik... but if your spending good coin on em, something to consider...

I've seen it with the real cheap headers, like summits house brand, and I think hedmans where the other (prolly who makes em for summit).. they rot away to nothing inside the wrap... joysey rots em anyway, but the wrap sped the process up fo sure...

 

[Stomis]

yup, for as much as anyone cares.. but if your spending good coin on em, something to consider...

I've seen it with the real cheap headers, like summits house brand, and I think hedmans where the other.. they rot away to nothing inside the wrap... joysey rots em anyway, but the wrap sped the process up fo sure...

Its definitely a balance of what you get out of them. My headers were wrapped on the square body for 13 years. I had the truck for 4 of those years and when I tore it down the headers werent completely shot but were a year or two away from it. That seems to be doing better than guys claiming how long factory coated headers are lasting.

Ive never been one to spend coin on headers though so theyre somewhat disposable in my eyes.

 

[badmix]

it also voids all header warranties...

Im not wrapping my header, i talking about one of those silver sleeves for the starter. My headers have been chopped up and wouldnt have any kinda warranty anyways.

 

[ryoken]

I understand, Stomis suggested it.. that's what I was replying to..

 

[dyeager535]

GM was all over the place on starter heatshields it seems like, they must not have ever got to a point they were happy with them, thus the "mini-style" starter is pretty much the standard now, no?

I've been running headers for years, no shield, stock starter (starter 10+ years old) but the headers are coated. Still hot as hell, but wonder if the coating helps?

In any case when this one goes, I plan to go with a mini starter, they seem to be the end-all for heat solutions. Plus, most of them seem to have at least double the torque of the stock-style.