[hedonite]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33576

I have never used a Mini-Starter and never seen one running on a motor. I was thinking about getting one for my 454. They do save weight and it the claim is that they are better than stock. Has anyone used one of these? Or should I stay away?

The above link is for one I saw on ebay

[bracketeer]

I use them on all my rods. They have more cranking power for higher compression engines. They are smaller for engines with large headers. They are far more heat resistant, less tendency to burn up next to headers.

[TurboS10]

Not sure about that particular one, but I have a late model GM mini starter on my 400. It is very nice, works well, and is much lighter than stock. I picked mine up at the local alternator/starter rebuild shop for $80.

Chris

[camaroman7d]

I run a mini starter too and have for a long time (8 years). As with most things some are junk and some are good. In this case, price is a poor way to compare. I have seen some of the high dollar ones not last very long and I have seen some of the cheaper ones run for ever. The one I have and that I always suggest to other only cost $119 brand new. It works great and mine has lasted well with not one issue. It has outlasted 4 engines so far.

I bought if from Tommy Johnsons Motorsports.

Royce

[RCastle]

Camaroman,Braketeer,I have thought myself on getting one for my SBC.Are they reliable enough for an engine that starts 4 to 5 times a day?Sometimes during the summer for the weekend cruises even more than that?

[wildman926]

hedonite,

I have gone through 2 of the no name brands, thinking they were all the same. NOT!!!

I bit the bullet and bought a genuine a/c delco brand that is used on all 168 tooth flywheel/flexplate late model engines. Has performed flawlessly, no shims required, on my 454, +30over 10:1 compression for 1 year now.

HERE is a good one.

[Tiresmoke7]

I bought a starter exactly like that one from another seller and it only lasted 2 weeks. I ended up spending a little more money for a gear reduction mini-starter and it works great.

[camaroman7d]

The starter in the picture above is nothing like mine at all.

My mini starter has been used to start my car several times a day. I would even use it on a daily driver. You don't have to spend $300 to get a good starter, you just have to know where to look. There are some that are garbage, don't last long, don't fit well, etc... I had a friend go through 3 starters in a matter of months (El Camino SBC), could never get the starter to last or work right (grinding or flat out stop working). It was a high dollar mini starter. He finally listened to me and bought the one from Tommy Johnsons and bingo not another problem. It's been in his car for over a year now.

They just work!!! At $119 I doubt you can find a better starter, actually at $300 I doubt you can find a better starter.

Royce

[Deuce]

GM #10455702

Come stock on GM's ZZ430........430 Horsepower engines...

I always use one when I can.......

.

[bracketeer]

Mine are gear reduction. I have no idea what brand I use.
I have alot of faith in my performance shop.
He orders them, I install them.
But I have had my oldest for 4 years now.

[hedonite]

Thanks for all of the info. Good to know what may not perform Tiresmoke. I will avoid that particular one but stick to wildman and Duce's advice (and part numbers).

[gazrnr]

I use a GM gear reduction mini starter, no problems with heat from the headers and no problem turning the motor. I agreed with getting a "name brand" starter, you may pay a little more but not having to worry about IF it will crank is worth it.

[willowbilly3]

If you buy an OEM brand new one you won't be disappointed. I put a new permanent magnet starter on my old 300-6 Ford and it lasted 11 years and 97,000 miles, in Alaska with lots of 35-40 below starts.

[302 Z28]

Some of the permanent magnet mini geared starters have a little annoyance. The bendix is a little slow about retracting once the engine has started and drags for a short time. I have a Delco unit that does it, so it is probably not endemic to any one brand.

Vince