Replace Starter Selenoid Only Or Also The Starter?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,625
Likes: 4
From: Miami FL
Replace Starter Selenoid Only Or Also The Starter?
I was attempting to take off the 0 guage positive battery cable off the selenoid and instantly snapped the plastic cap holding the brass mounting stud in place along with the other 2 wires. This looks to be the original starter (I think). I am some what skeptical of starter problems some of you all mention thinking that the new starters are made so crappy that the header heat kills them quickly compared to the original starter. So....
1. Can I easily replace the selenoid without removing the entire starter?
2. What brand of selenoid/starter do you all recommend that is not some Chinese made crap?
1. Can I easily replace the selenoid without removing the entire starter?
2. What brand of selenoid/starter do you all recommend that is not some Chinese made crap?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
You can replace just the solenoid, but you do have to drop the starter off the car to do it.....reasonable, that is.....
I think it's a time waster, personally, if that cap was that fried, the rest is probably shakey too.....
I put on a smaller later model starter...the mini version....works fine....
I think it's a time waster, personally, if that cap was that fried, the rest is probably shakey too.....
I put on a smaller later model starter...the mini version....works fine....
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,092
Likes: 2
From: walpole ma
If you want the original look,guy a new ac delco.If you dont care about originality,then get a powermaster mini starter. (about 170 dollars from summit racing.com)I use the power masters on all my cars .never a problem.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,625
Likes: 4
From: Miami FL
what the heck is the difference/benefits of going with a "mini" starter? is it just for looks? My car is far from a show car and far from originality. I want something that will work great & easy installation with no modifications since I am doing this with hand tools in my condo's parking garage swapping this sucker out.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 945
Likes: 0
From: Ventura California
The mini starters use a smaller motor and gear them down to make good torque to turn over the engine. I use the mini as well and I love it. I used a Delco and the heatsoak from the headers would kill it. Never a problem with the mini starter. The mini is easier to get in and out in tight spaces too. A fringe benefit when header clearance is an issue.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 8
From: Illinois
Starter rebuilt
Just had my starter from a 1971 rebuilt locally. Cost with tax $102.36. He also replaced rear part because one of the bolt holes was broken. Just get the whole starter rebuilt.
Paul
Paul
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
If you have the original starter I would keep it for posterity. I would either buy an AC Delco rebuild (Advance or O'Rieleys has them-or your local Delco retailer) and eat the core charge-it won't be much. You could also use a C4 mini starter. If you go to a mini starter you will lose the yellow wire that sends 12v back to the coil during starting.
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 736
Likes: 1
From: Chester VA
I use GM mini's made for nineties pickups with the optional mini starter. You can get them from a GM dealer, or autozone has them with a lifetime warrenty. I've used the powermasters mentioned above, and even on an 11:1 400ci worked great, but for the price/warrenty and same performance I use the truck mini starter.
