I am aware of aftermarket gear reduction (smaller) starters like Powermaster,etc but does Ford make a small PMGR starter that would fit a 1978 302 engine w/automatic trans? I have a frame and oil pan interference problem.

 

on my 83 F100, I installed a permanent magnet starter into it, from a newer truck, no problems, just make sure that you get a starter for a 92-up 302/351 with an auto

 

Hi, if you had to guesstimate..how much smaller is it than the stock starter? 3/4 size..2/3rd?? Thanks.

 

close to 1/2 to almost 2/3 of the size, it is a definite difference

 

Great thanks....you just saved me about a hundred bucks or so.

 

whoa now! those starters will only fit the AOD transmission with a 164-tooth flexplate. Your 78 will be a C4 with a 157 tooth, they do not intermix! If you do have an AOD (you transplanted one in there) then you can use a stock 94-95 Mustang GT or Cobra starter, it's a stock gear-reduction starter. You will have to figure out what to do with the solenoid that comes on it though.

 

what about using a manul transmission starter then

 

I have a four speed I can put behind it then if that makes things easier...how many teeth does the manual flywheel have then?

 

ok. how come the starter's from a 77 bronco/c4, 77 f-100/c6, 79 f-100/c6, 84ltd/aod, and a 89 ranger/a4od(forget the correct name)
will all interchange without any problems?

 

The newer starter does have one more tooth on the starter drive, but it will still work. I have personaly used this new style starter on an F-150 manual 5 spd and a C4. Purpose being that both engines were high compresion and the old style wasn't gettin the job done. The only problem I have encountered is the drive does not kick out for about 1 to 2 seconds. Other than that it works great and is really smooth sounding too. No grinding noise like the old one's have.

 

Reason I said something is because I've spent some time in a parts store, and the old starters and the new ones are different, aside from the obvious size difference. I definately hear you on that old starter not getting the job done, I roast a new one every 6 months handling my iron-headed 10:1 compression daily driver. Good thing Autozone has a 1 year warranty, I havn't had to pay for a starter in years!

 

i put the starter out of my 93 5.0 automatic in my 79 351 w c4 and it worked great, i had to to clear my shortie headers. the starter out of my 79 also fit my 93