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In my quest to buy as many parts as I can while they are in stock, I will need a starter and I am looking at mini starters. The ZZ427 big block I purchased recommends a hi torque mini starter and I know several on here have used them. Looking on Summit, there are serval brands. Powermaster, Tilton, Summit's brand and GM. The GM, Tilton and a couple of the Powermaster's are on the high-end price range. If you have a mini starter, what brand and or model do you have and have you had any problems? I also noticed there are two styles. Denso and Hitachi. Is one style better than the other?
Thanks in advance.
PS. On the topic of availability, I called Ididit today to order their 67 tilt column and he said hopefully 16 weeks on delivery. Called Al Knoch about my stayfast top I ordered last September, and she said they are still waiting on the good fabric. Hoping to actually get this car done this summer.
After being involved in the recent thread by Diabolical Dave and his starter woes just make sure to get the correct one. I didn't know there are several options on the starter gear depth. And one of the biggest things is get the correct number of teeth on the starter drive, yes they have 2 different numbers. I would buy the best quality one as opposed to the lowest price I could find.
I use a lot of Tilton or Meziere starters. They last the best, fit right usually, and have plenty of torque to start a high compression, heat soaked, dirt late model. I doubt you need that level, but those work me, have for many years, and shouldn't let you down. The Powermaster will suit you fine, just make sure that whatever brand you chose fits against your pan. I would steer away from "house" brands or the cheaper units. The good ones are clock-able, which helps tremendously is tight confines.
Robert, I will have to find that thread. I don’t mind buying a better one.
Brandon, I have read good things about those. I’m switching to a milodon oil pan as it is about the same height as an original pan and is 6qts. The oil pan that comes on the engine is 6qt but about an 1-1/4” lower than the milodon.
I use a Tilton on my 427 in my 65 coupe. Wired up a Ford style solenoid and mounted it on the inside of frame directly across from the starter. Works like a charm.- Fred
Last edited by vettefred; Jan 17, 2022 at 07:37 PM.
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
I'm using a DB Electrical starter on my '69. Bought it for its light weight, but the price is very reasonable, and it cranks the engine over very well.
I have a Powermaster on a Mopar 440 with custom headers close by since 2007. Plenty of opportunity for failure and none so far. Excellent performance.
Great starter to use if you want it to crank like a Camry.
Remind me what you are running for ignition? Will you have a ballast resister? If so, you either need the I terminal which most minis don’t have or the diode.
Factoid, I’m not sure what they used on that conversion. All it says is edelbrock small cap distributor. Talked with them today and they have a bout of covid and said they haven’t even taken it for the dyno run. Said this may add another two weeks to delivery. Look mid February now.
Another Powermaster fan....I have one on the LS in my C20 and another on the L76 in the Corvette....no issues with either. I'd call them for your specific application....the customer service is excellent and if they have a "clockable" version for the ZZ427 application, I would go that route as it will allow you to position the starter perfectly to allow access once wires, headers, etc. are all in place.
When I installed the ZZ427 in my car in October of 2018 I decided to go with a high torque mini starter instead of the correct style/type for a 67 BB. I was up at GM Carlisle in the summer of 2018 and saw this one on a vendor's table for less than a hundred bucks. It fit fine with no issues and it rocks the house when I turn the key. One of my better investments. A couple of pictures for you. One of the box and one with it installed on the ZZ427. Hope you find what you are looking for. C.J.
If you have a the large flywheel use one from a 97 up S10 4.3 starter. For small flywheel use a 88 and up Corvette starter. They work great and or easy to replace when needed.
PowerMaster.
Ididit , I got the 16 week drill. Ask the advisor
what vendors have your column in stock.
Summitt had them and I ordered and delivered in a week.
Good luck
road pilot, since I am using the borgeson box, I do not want to crush the column and the rep agreed. The guy I spoke with help spearhead their recent design on the 67 tilt columns a couple years ago. He said they noticed pretty quickly that guys were doing the borgeson swap and they have been keeping notes on the shafts lengths they have made for those units. He is supposed to get back with me today but I haven’t heard from him.
Mini Starters
