dgheinen

It's time for a new starter, but I'm lost on which one I should buy. I've heard that the newer mini starters are great, but I also have read that they burn out easier. The larger starters I've read are pretty reliable but are prone to overheating. I can get a starter from Autozone or O'Reilly auto for about $45, but that's the big one. Summitracing has a boat load of the mini ones, and to be honest I have no idea what I'm looking for when it comes to those.

What do y'all recommend? The newer mini starters, or the regular, larger starters? Do y'all have a brand, or a part number that you prefer? This is for a 78 vette. 350 motor.

Thanks in advance!
-Damon

jb78L-82

Not a fan of anything electrical being rebuilt unless it's the oem component, not buying a rebuilt unit. I have a 78 L-82 4 speed whose OEM starter which was tired in the early 90's. I have no experience with any of the mini starters that are on the market so maybe someone else can chime in. However, I did decide in 91/92 to have my OEM starter rebuilt by a local machine shop at that time for $50 and the starter has been perfect for about 20 years-never a hiccup. I would imagine having the oem starter or the starter in the car now rebuilt (not buying an unknown component) would cost about $80 today-just a guess-if you have someone who would do it.

My only other experience with starters is on my 2001 pontiac grand prix that had a starter that was beginning to hang up returning to the neutral position (gear) after it started the car. I would get a slight grinding sound from the return spring pulling the gear back from the flywheel after releasing the ignition key back to the run position and did purchase a NEW auto zone starter with a lifetime warranty for about $159 dollars. Still perfect today with about 50,000 miles on it.

Hope that helps!

mds3013

Is your engine stock? Do you have headers? The original starter is more than adequate for a stock engine. The parts that wear the most are the solenoid, the bendix, the bushings and the brushes. The stock starter is sometimes affected by heat soak from headers but not stock cast iron exhaust manifolds. If you can rebuild the original starter this is what I would recommend. Good luck with it. mike...

BKarol

I have a 78 L82 4spd and had my starter rebuilt for $65. Company has been in business since 1948.

I really don't trust the stuff rebuilt by AZ anymore. I was out in the office parking lot exchanging a crapped out alternator after 3 weeks.

oldalaskaman

I bought a mini starter from Skip White, works great, lifetime warranty, $68 free shipping not sayin its the best, just another option

drwet

Buy a started for a 1996 Chev full size truck. That's what I put in my '79 automatic. You might have to do a little research to make sure the 4 spd. and the automatic use the same starter, but I'm pretty sure they do.

Its the smaller gear reductions style starter. Much easier to install and work around, lighter, and more reliable. And they aren't susceptible to the heat soak problem so common on these cars. Works with a weak battery, and shaves about 20 lbs off the car. Much better technology all around. If you're not worried about originality, there's no reason to put a 30 lb. antique in there.

speedreed8

'Buy a started for a 1996 Chev full size truck. That's what I put in my '79 automatic. You might have to do a little research to make sure the 4 spd. and the automatic use the '

I used one from a 98 c1500 chev truck w/ 5.7 engine ,gear reductionstarter. from orielly, works great.
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...1920&ppt=C0330

billsfan

I had my '76 starter rebuilt by a reputable local electric shop 4 years ago. Works like new. Ask the local mechanic shops where they have their's rebuilt. Cost me $65 bucks, including new Bendix.

Lil" Red Corvette

Get the mini starter. They are lighter, better, easier to put on (especially if you have headers, and get the starter a little further from the headers. Install a heat shield around it and it will last much longer (if you have headers).

texas jim

Go to NAPA and get a starter f/ your exact car, and you'll get a good one.

qwank

I have a starter from a late 90s Tahoe. it's so much smaller and lighter. fits between the long tube headers with no problems. I did have to grind down the housing a little to fit the hole in the bellhousing cover, and I had to find to correct starter bolts too

jb78L-82

Like I said above, if you know you have the OEM starter I would have it rebuilt for short money and be on your way. My rebuilt OEM starter is 20 years old now but for those of you who chimed in about the mid 90's truck starters (new not rebuilt) that are smaller than the OEM and probably fairly inexpensive, I appreciate that tip which I did not know. Thanx.

Torkman

So what new truck stater, as mentioned above, will fit my 75 automatic? Will it just bolt in without any mod?

oldalaskaman

you need to spec. when you order it that its for an auto, other then that bolt it in , put the wires in their original locations. now would be a good time to install a quick disconnect if you plan other mods.

77C34SPD

Small gear reduction starter GM has been using for some time. Bolts are about 5/8" shorter. Very light and strong.

Jeff_Keryk

My 68 L36 used to eat a rebuilt starter and battery every year, or it seemed that way. I put in a Summit mini starter. It cranks that hi compression BB like nothing. Problem solved. That's my experience.

bdchase73

Agree!