Headers vs Starter
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Senior User
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Headers vs Starter
I got my new Hookers on yesterday, Hooker Competion full lengths, and they are periously close to the starter. This is on the 360 in my 69 F-100. My question is, is the heat from the headers (ceramic coated) gonna destroy my starter? When I finish my 390 I will install a mini-starter, but for now, am I in trouble?
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 590
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From: in the woods of Maine!
I'm sure you'll be fine, but the starter MAY not last very long, but I'd bet you will get a good couple months out of one starter. I would say just gte the cheap lifetime warrantee one, and keep changing them out for free, but it's such a pain in the *** on an FE w/ headers to change it,(or any motor w/ headers really). They do make a wrap, and other tin-foil like stuff that acts as a heat shield, which will keep the starter from cooking. that would probly be your best bet....unless it is crazy expensive.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
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From: Ohio
You know.........I think it's all in your luck? I've NEVER had to replace a starter due to heat problems, ever. My '69 has had headers for 19 yrs(same set of Blackjack Alumacoats-remember those) and I've yet to put a starter in that truck. Granted it don't get run everyday, but it still gets run(hard too). My '67 has headers for 4 yrs and still never put a starter in it(was daily driver til last year).
I never used a mini starter(seem too many of those fail), and can't justify the cost.
Just my .02 worth.
Oh, and never used a heat sheild either.
I never used a mini starter(seem too many of those fail), and can't justify the cost.
Just my .02 worth.
Oh, and never used a heat sheild either.
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Thanks guys. That makes me feel a little better. Right now the truck doesn't get driven all that much. Maybe some weekend duty but that's about it. Hopefully I'll get this 390 built before the end of the summer.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,019
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From: Georgetown, Ky
Ive got Hedmans in my 75 and it is really close to the starter too. Been two years and Ive not had to change a starter due to heat damage. I did have to change it but that is because I dropped the darn thing.. lol I hope you can get yours on easier than mine, I have to pull the header to change the starter, what a PITA!
You might consider fabbing up a steel heat shield, maybe use two starter bolts to hold it on... or as mentioned above, they do have a starter heat wrap, its under 30 bucks.. Never tried it so I dont know how well or if it works?
You might consider fabbing up a steel heat shield, maybe use two starter bolts to hold it on... or as mentioned above, they do have a starter heat wrap, its under 30 bucks.. Never tried it so I dont know how well or if it works?
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,351
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From: Escondido, CA
I'm going on 5 years with a set of cheapy uncoated hedman's and 1/2" clearance with no issues. The only starting issues I have had dealt with the solinoid on the firewall. The ceramic coating will help cut down on a lot of the heat transfer issues that would otherwise affect it. If you want mount a heat shield on the header collector to keep from radiating heat.
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The header will definitely have to be removed to take the starter out. They sure are purty though 
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: in the woods of Maine!
hey freightrain, why don't you like the idea of a heat shield, I don't know much about them, as I've never had starter problems myself, but know alot of chevy guys that do. does it end up holding most of the heat IN the starter, or just more a PITA to work around?
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I know you asked freightrain, but I wanted to chime in on this one. 
I would tend to think are are correct when you say that it would tend to hold the heat it, with just a regular piece of sheet metal there. However, I think if one put some thought into it and designed/fab'd up a louvered type heat shield, I would think that it would disipate the heat better and not "trap" the heat in the location of the starter. I would think a louvered style shield would absorb the heat more off the header, yet release it faster. Heck, it wouldn't even need to be louvered, but something with maybe some slots. (Basically more edges.) What do y'all think?
Again, I just wanted to chime in and maybe throw some things out there for people to chew on, and if it doesn't taste good, spit it back.
I would tend to think are are correct when you say that it would tend to hold the heat it, with just a regular piece of sheet metal there. However, I think if one put some thought into it and designed/fab'd up a louvered type heat shield, I would think that it would disipate the heat better and not "trap" the heat in the location of the starter. I would think a louvered style shield would absorb the heat more off the header, yet release it faster. Heck, it wouldn't even need to be louvered, but something with maybe some slots. (Basically more edges.) What do y'all think?
Again, I just wanted to chime in and maybe throw some things out there for people to chew on, and if it doesn't taste good, spit it back.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Ohio
I don't use them only because the lack of needing one, really. I feel the same about them though, as they will hold the heat INTO the starter thus creating issues and maybe even hurting the starter sooner? I think maybe the fact that the shield should only be a piece of FLAT that keeps the heat off starter, but allows heat to RISE above it and out.
It makes me wonder if maybe it's people that sit in traffic more that have heat issues with starters and headers? People that don't get more air thru the engine compartment thus keeping things cooler that don't have problems?? Just a thought.
It makes me wonder if maybe it's people that sit in traffic more that have heat issues with starters and headers? People that don't get more air thru the engine compartment thus keeping things cooler that don't have problems?? Just a thought.
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Well, believe me, living in the Dallas area, there is lots of sitting in traffic. I usually just drive my truck on weekends and not very far. With summer coming on, it's going to be a real test. When I do the 390 I'm going with some kind of bigger radiator. I also want to put air conditioning in it, so more of a heat load.
