Header-starter clearance
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 649
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From: Tucson, AZ
Header-starter clearance
Hey guys,
I am mocking up some of my engine components ('72 351W in a '51 F1) and I've found my headers barely clear my standard size starter--there is about 1/8"-3/16" of clearance between the header flange and the forward edge of the starter (see pics below). I don't intend to use this particular starter, but I prefer to use a standard sized starter like this one if the clearance is adequate, rather than an expensive high torque mini-starter.
1. Is this clearance adequate for connecting the rest of the exhaust plumbing?
2. If not, is there a smaller starter that will work (with out all sorts of mods/fab) that isn't a an expensive high-torque deal?
3. Are there other options not listed above?
Thanks! Tyler
From below...
I am mocking up some of my engine components ('72 351W in a '51 F1) and I've found my headers barely clear my standard size starter--there is about 1/8"-3/16" of clearance between the header flange and the forward edge of the starter (see pics below). I don't intend to use this particular starter, but I prefer to use a standard sized starter like this one if the clearance is adequate, rather than an expensive high torque mini-starter.
1. Is this clearance adequate for connecting the rest of the exhaust plumbing?
2. If not, is there a smaller starter that will work (with out all sorts of mods/fab) that isn't a an expensive high-torque deal?
3. Are there other options not listed above?
Thanks! Tyler
From below...
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
Tyler,
Not wonderful clearance, but I have seen worse running over the body of the starter. I would rotate the 3 bolt flange which should give you a bit more clearance and get the bolt out of the way of the starter. The biggest problem I see is if the starter ever has to be replaced, you will have to disconnect the header from the block to get the starter out, but there are worse things. Personally, I would rather have the starter there instead of heating up the main body of the starter and armature.
Pat
Not wonderful clearance, but I have seen worse running over the body of the starter. I would rotate the 3 bolt flange which should give you a bit more clearance and get the bolt out of the way of the starter. The biggest problem I see is if the starter ever has to be replaced, you will have to disconnect the header from the block to get the starter out, but there are worse things. Personally, I would rather have the starter there instead of heating up the main body of the starter and armature.
Pat
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 70
From: Elk River, MN
That does not look like enough clearance. Investigate a more modern starter of the permanent magnet type (Ford production after about 1992). A junk yard should have lots to pick from. They are smaller, lighter and more reliable then the older starters. If that does not give lots more clearance, I would recommend a mini-high torque starter. They go for $220-270 depending on manual or auto and 2 or 3 bolt attachment.
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Tucson, AZ
Thanks guys! Pat what do you mean by
?
Tyler
Tyler
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 19
From: Austin
Hey Tyler,
We went the mini-starter route with our 351W. There is a lot going on in
that area with headers & steering linkage, etc. - smaller was definitely helpful.
If you go in the front door of summit racing etc. - they list out at $250-$350. If you google Ford Mini starter you see a lot for $70 - $100. You will need to obviously match it up with whatever transmission you are using to get the right one. Here's one from Summit for $120 or so. I also see they have one discontinued model in their "Garage Sale" section..
Summit Racing® Mini High-Torque Starters SUM-829302 - SummitRacing.com
Good luck over there. (We paid $39 for our mini starter somehow - it might be the only bargain ever encountered in the truck rebuild).
Ben in Austin
1950 F1 (351W/AOD)
We went the mini-starter route with our 351W. There is a lot going on in
that area with headers & steering linkage, etc. - smaller was definitely helpful.
If you go in the front door of summit racing etc. - they list out at $250-$350. If you google Ford Mini starter you see a lot for $70 - $100. You will need to obviously match it up with whatever transmission you are using to get the right one. Here's one from Summit for $120 or so. I also see they have one discontinued model in their "Garage Sale" section..
Summit Racing® Mini High-Torque Starters SUM-829302 - SummitRacing.com
Good luck over there. (We paid $39 for our mini starter somehow - it might be the only bargain ever encountered in the truck rebuild).
Ben in Austin
1950 F1 (351W/AOD)
Last edited by ben73058; Mar 20, 2013 at 12:03 PM. Reason: Spelling
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 968
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From: webster wi
If you ordered headers for a 72 351 i would think they took starter motor placement into account when they built them. But i agree with ungerp and turn the flange to get more room. I think my mustang has that same clearance.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,670
Likes: 367
From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH
That is more than enough clearance, rotate the flange and call it good. If it makes you feel better you can make a heat shield for the starter but you would not need it in my opinion. I installed to many sets of headers while working at a speed shop in the 70's and 80's.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
Tyler,
There isn't much to damage from heat at the end of the starter, but if the header mounted over the main body of the starter with all the copper, etc that will retain a lot of heat and could create issues when trying to start, especailly after driving it some.
pat
There isn't much to damage from heat at the end of the starter, but if the header mounted over the main body of the starter with all the copper, etc that will retain a lot of heat and could create issues when trying to start, especailly after driving it some.
pat
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Tucson, AZ
OK, thanks guys! great info! I am heading out to the garage in a few minutes to pull my starter and take it to a parts store. I will see if the circa 93 mustang starters will work and be a bit smaller (I have a t-5 from a 93ish mustang). I'll let you know and post pics.
Tyler
Tyler
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