C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Mini Starter Question? Need help Quick!!!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 21, 2005 | 05:35 PM
  #1  
68coupe's Avatar
68coupe
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
From: Boston MA
Default Mini Starter Question? Need help Quick!!!

Hello,
I am working on installing the mini starter right now, but here is my problem.
I do not understand the wiring.
ON the old starter there is one wire coming from the battery going to one post.

There is one wire going to an R post. (Run)
There is one wire going to S Post. (Run)

On the new starter there is just one post (for the battery I assume) and a spade terminal which according to the directions is for the starter switch. (other than that there are no other electrical directions.)

Do I put the wire that was going to the S and run it to the starter switch spade terminal?

What about the wire that went to the R? Do I just leave that out? Do mini starters use that wire?

Please help!!!!
Thanks,
Joe
Reply
Old May 21, 2005 | 05:54 PM
  #2  
427V8's Avatar
427V8
C6 the C5 of tomorrow
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Default

One wire is the start wire (s)
The other is the Run wire (R)
the run wire has a resistor built in so you don't burn up the coil. That is the one you want to use.
The S wire does not need to be used.

BUT, make sure you actually have the resistance wire hooked up. There should be 6 volts to the coil with the key on but the engine off... ( with the points closed of course )
Reply
Old May 21, 2005 | 06:00 PM
  #3  
itsonlyairandfuel's Avatar
itsonlyairandfuel
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 545
Default

One wire is 12 volts from the start postion on your key switch to energize the starter. The other feeds 12 volts to your coil on start up for easier starting, once your release the key to the run position your coil is fed a lower voltage thru a ballist resistor or a resistance wire. This was to ensure longer life for the the points. Hope this helps. Ron B.
Reply
Old May 21, 2005 | 06:07 PM
  #4  
68coupe's Avatar
68coupe
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
From: Boston MA
Default

Originally Posted by 427V8
One wire is the start wire (s)
The other is the Run wire (R)
the run wire has a resistor built in so you don't burn up the coil. That is the one you want to use.
The S wire does not need to be used.

BUT, make sure you actually have the resistance wire hooked up. There should be 6 volts to the coil with the key on but the engine off... ( with the points closed of course )

I have electronic ignition

start wire to the start switch?
Thanks,

JOe
Reply
Old May 21, 2005 | 06:08 PM
  #5  
lvrpool32's Avatar
lvrpool32
Safety Car
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,637
Likes: 27
From: Norwalk Ct
Default

Originally Posted by 68coupe
Hello,
I am working on installing the mini starter right now, but here is my problem.
I do not understand the wiring.
ON the old starter there is one wire coming from the battery going to one post.

There is one wire going to an R post. (Run)
There is one wire going to S Post. (Run)

On the new starter there is just one post (for the battery I assume) and a spade terminal which according to the directions is for the starter switch. (other than that there are no other electrical directions.)

Do I put the wire that was going to the S and run it to the starter switch spade terminal?

What about the wire that went to the R? Do I just leave that out? Do mini starters use that wire?

Please help!!!!
Thanks,
Joe

I had the same issue when I put my mini starter in, if you are still using a points style distributor you will need the s wire. The S wire is used to provide a solid 12v to the coil whilst cranking. As per Powermaster and CSR, you need a "diode" kit (they sell for $20 from Jegs, but you can make one for $3 if you can use a soldering iron) This lead attaches to the large terminal on the motor side (not on the solenoid...it has the spade going into the motor windings).
Go to powermasters website, they have all the info you need.

Nick
Reply
Old May 21, 2005 | 06:14 PM
  #6  
68coupe's Avatar
68coupe
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
From: Boston MA
Default

Originally Posted by lvrpool32
I had the same issue when I put my mini starter in, if you are still using a points style distributor you will need the s wire. The S wire is used to provide a solid 12v to the coil whilst cranking. As per Powermaster and CSR, you need a "diode" kit (they sell for $20 from Jegs, but you can make one for $3 if you can use a soldering iron) This lead attaches to the large terminal on the motor side (not on the solenoid...it has the spade going into the motor windings).
Go to powermasters website, they have all the info you need.

Nick
I have electronic ignition.
Should I just use the run wire and not the start wire?
With electronic ignition do I have to get the resistor kit?
Right now I have tyhe s wire to the starter switch terminal and the run wire disconnected. It starts , but I am worried about bruning up the coil. Should I be worried?
Went to powermaster site and I could not find anything..
Thanks,
Joe

Last edited by 68coupe; May 21, 2005 at 06:16 PM.
Reply
Old May 21, 2005 | 06:19 PM
  #7  
SkunkApe's Avatar
SkunkApe
Drifting
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 3
From: I KNOW JESUS... HE'S MY GARDENER
Default

Delete the resistor wire (wire with cloth screen covering). I have mine coiled up for future use. S = Switch.
Reply
Old May 21, 2005 | 06:21 PM
  #8  
68coupe's Avatar
68coupe
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
From: Boston MA
Default

found the info on Powermasters website.
It says that with MSd which I have, the R termainal is not needed.
right now I have the s going to the starter switch and the R not connnected.
It starts fine, but I anm still a little worried.
Any suggestions????
Thanks,
Joe
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-3

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
Old May 21, 2005 | 07:24 PM
  #9  
zwede's Avatar
zwede
Race Director
25 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 382
From: Plano TX
Default

You're fine. The extra wire was only used with points ignitions. The points would burn up if full power was run thru them so the feed to the coil from the ignition switch had a resistor built in that limited the voltage to about 6-7V. During cranking the battery is heavily loaded and voltage would drop. That meant the coil got even less than 6V and sometimes the engine wouldn't start.

The wire you're not using fed full voltage to the coil during cranking.

With electronic igition you should not have the resistor wire anymore (you DID get rid of it, right?) and the extra wire is not needed.
Reply
Old May 21, 2005 | 09:24 PM
  #10  
68coupe's Avatar
68coupe
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
From: Boston MA
Default

Originally Posted by zwede
You're fine. The extra wire was only used with points ignitions. The points would burn up if full power was run thru them so the feed to the coil from the ignition switch had a resistor built in that limited the voltage to about 6-7V. During cranking the battery is heavily loaded and voltage would drop. That meant the coil got even less than 6V and sometimes the engine wouldn't start.

The wire you're not using fed full voltage to the coil during cranking.

With electronic igition you should not have the resistor wire anymore (you DID get rid of it, right?) and the extra wire is not needed.
Hey,
Thanks for the post.
I am only using two wires...
The start wire that went to the S terminal and now goes to the start terminal that is labeled starter switch. The only other wire that I am using is the one from the battery.
It starts fine and I think I am in good shape, but is there anything I should be aware of?
Thanks,
Joe
Reply
Old May 21, 2005 | 10:37 PM
  #11  
Jack71's Avatar
Jack71
Drifting
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 1
From: Boxford Mass
Default

My ministarter is wired the same way Joe. You are all set. Just make sure the spade connector is on tight.
Reply
Old May 22, 2005 | 01:23 AM
  #12  
68coupe's Avatar
68coupe
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
From: Boston MA
Default

Originally Posted by Jack71
My ministarter is wired the same way Joe. You are all set. Just make sure the spade connector is on tight.
Thanks Jack!!!
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Mini Starter Question? Need help Quick!!!





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:36 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-1
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE