Starter/header clearance??
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 227
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From: Corbin, Ky
Starter/header clearance??
Hello,
In my 52 ford pickup restoration, I am using a ford 302 with block hugger headers. I purchased a stock starter this evening and bolted it up, my only problem is now I can't bolt my header back on because the starter is so bulky.
Have any of you guys who run a 302 had this problem? I thought about getting a mini starter, anyone have any recommendations? I was supposed to try and start my engine soon and now this has me held up.
Please, any help is appreciated.
Thanks again,
Jon Preston
In my 52 ford pickup restoration, I am using a ford 302 with block hugger headers. I purchased a stock starter this evening and bolted it up, my only problem is now I can't bolt my header back on because the starter is so bulky.
Have any of you guys who run a 302 had this problem? I thought about getting a mini starter, anyone have any recommendations? I was supposed to try and start my engine soon and now this has me held up.
Please, any help is appreciated.
Thanks again,
Jon Preston
FTE fan
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,674
Likes: 11
From: paradise, northern calif.
Hi, when I put block huggers on mine I had to use a mini starter. You mite ckeck with the vendor you got yours from, to see if they sugest any special starter,Speedway sugested this one to me.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
That is exactly what you should do. I am running the 302-stang shorty headers on mine. Even if you barely clear a fullsize starter, it will still heat up and not live nearly as long as a mini. I also use that same mini on my stang. 347 with 11:1 compression. Turns it over very ez.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,337
Likes: 165
From: Harpswell Maine
I just went the mini route on my sbc after fitting up a custom ss exhaust. The header pipe essentially was in contact with a stock starter.
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Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Corbin, Ky
So......today I bought a starter for a 96 f150 and bolted it to my bell housing and the teeth of the starter were at least an inch from meeting with my flexplate. So I thought my flexplate was on wrong, I double checked and it wasn't. I also double checked to see if the starter was for a standard shift, but it was for an automatic. So I am now going back to get another starter to see if the end with the teeth may be longer than the one I have now. I'll keep you updated. Any suggestions are still welcome. Buying an actual mini starter is my last resort.
Thanks again,
Jon Preston
Thanks again,
Jon Preston
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
So......today I bought a starter for a 96 f150 and bolted it to my bell housing and the teeth of the starter were at least an inch from meeting with my flexplate. So I thought my flexplate was on wrong, I double checked and it wasn't. I also double checked to see if the starter was for a standard shift, but it was for an automatic. So I am now going back to get another starter to see if the end with the teeth may be longer than the one I have now. I'll keep you updated. Any suggestions are still welcome. Buying an actual mini starter is my last resort.
Thanks again,
Jon Preston
Thanks again,
Jon Preston
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,352
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From: Waleska, GA
I agree. Any extra air space form the headers will be worth the extra $.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Corbin, Ky
"Hey Jon,
We used the exact same one as Underthebridge Jim - the ministarter
from Speedway. They aren't expensive.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1"
I called the folks at speedway and they recommended the
Speedway SBF Ultra Mini Starter, 1.4 kW, Auto Trans
Item #: 91067210
Price: $149.99 EA
I'm thinking this will be what I go with and crossing my fingers it will work with my c6 transmission. I appreciate all of the feedback! If it weren't for this forum of well educated and experienced friends, I wouldn't be anywhere on my Ford restoration. Thank you for all of your help!
Jon Preston
We used the exact same one as Underthebridge Jim - the ministarter
from Speedway. They aren't expensive.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1"
I called the folks at speedway and they recommended the
Speedway SBF Ultra Mini Starter, 1.4 kW, Auto Trans
Item #: 91067210
Price: $149.99 EA
I'm thinking this will be what I go with and crossing my fingers it will work with my c6 transmission. I appreciate all of the feedback! If it weren't for this forum of well educated and experienced friends, I wouldn't be anywhere on my Ford restoration. Thank you for all of your help!
Jon Preston
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,352
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From: Waleska, GA
John, I don't miss getting into the Fiero after getting gas or making a short stop and wondering if the heat soaked OEM sized starter would crank over or not. I shielded the Cat and wrapped a thermo-blanket around the starter with little effect. After going to the mini gear reduction starter, it spins over every time (the Cat shield is still in place, but the new starter isn't wrapped in a thermo-blanket). Hopefully, you'll never know the headaches you avoided.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
Jon,
If you think you have a fitment issue I would research that before I ordered. If you can't get to the bottom of it, I live a mile from a starter-alternator rebuilder. I know he would talk to you on the phone. If he won't mail you one, I certainly would. It would fit in a flat rate box and ship for under 12 bucks. Just an option. I'm sure the Speedway starter is real good too, I'm just not used to paying that much for a mini.
If you think you have a fitment issue I would research that before I ordered. If you can't get to the bottom of it, I live a mile from a starter-alternator rebuilder. I know he would talk to you on the phone. If he won't mail you one, I certainly would. It would fit in a flat rate box and ship for under 12 bucks. Just an option. I'm sure the Speedway starter is real good too, I'm just not used to paying that much for a mini.