Mini Starter
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Mini Starter
Have a 72 small block was wondering if anyone has used the jegs or summit brand mini starters on the C3. I am having heat soak problems and am wondering the type of mini starters that are working for others.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,431
Likes: 52
From: Florida
Mini starter is definitely the way to go. I don't know anything about the brands you mentioned, I don't like anything MSD produces personally. If it were me, I'd use an Advance Auto promo/coupon code and order it online, pickup in store. Just order a remanufactured starter for a 5.7L 94 Chev pickup or a hundred other models. Probably save you $50 or more over other options. You're going to need starter bolts, go to GM dealership parts counter and get them there. The ones that come with some starters are junk. Make sure to get the ones that are knurled on the shoulders. Part number 12338064. Description Bolt/SCRE 2.042 $2.78 each, get 2.
Jim
Jim
Last edited by jimvette999; Apr 6, 2015 at 08:26 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 94
Likes: 1
From: leesburg va
I have a 72 350 with a/c and was having hot starting problems also. I was looking into a mini starter then my starter decided to stop altogether. I put a regular duramax starter (not a mini) from autozone and it starts great now, no matter what I throw at it.
your starter may just be tired also. I know mini starters have a few benefits over standard starters but the cost of my standard made me happy.
your starter may just be tired also. I know mini starters have a few benefits over standard starters but the cost of my standard made me happy.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,879
Likes: 38
From: Los Gatos CA
My 68 L36 used to eat reman starters every year. When the Summit mini starter came out, I bit. I reclocked it and it easily fit the 427 with headers. Just installing them is a joke compared to the heavy original starter. Nothin too it.
Probably the best upgrade I ever made.
Probably the best upgrade I ever made.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 13,014
Likes: 2,257
From: Corsicana, Tx
2020 C2 of the Year - Modified Winner
2020 Corvette of the Year (performance mods)
C2 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
2017 C2 of Year Finalist
I've been using the basic Summit starter for many years on my 540/555. It's a Nippondenso design which is very good and can be clocked to clear just about anything as far as oil pans an headers. It always starts.
JIM
JIM
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,009
Likes: 1,116
From: North tonawanda NY
I had no luck with two of the red ebay hitachi clone mini starters... they cheawed up my flywheel and the teeth on one starter was damaged after a handful of starts...I tried all sorts of shims and watched many videos on how they need to be spaced... Its possible I did something wrong although I managed to build the rest of the engine with the same type of videos and forum support with no issues.
Ended up putting the factory starter back in and so far no issues with my sidepipes... I did pick up the GM style mini stater which is bigger that the hitachi but much smaller/lighter than the stock.. as well as the insulation wrap. Just havent gotten around to replacing it yet.
Ended up putting the factory starter back in and so far no issues with my sidepipes... I did pick up the GM style mini stater which is bigger that the hitachi but much smaller/lighter than the stock.. as well as the insulation wrap. Just havent gotten around to replacing it yet.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 139
From: Syracuse NY
Mini starter is definitely the way to go. I don't know anything about the brands you mentioned, I don't like anything MSD produces personally. If it were me, I'd use an Advance Auto promo/coupon code and order it online, pickup in store. Just order a remanufactured starter for a 5.7L 94 Chev pickup or a hundred other models. Probably save you $50 or more over other options. You're going to need starter bolts, go to GM dealership parts counter and get them there. The ones that come with some starters are junk. Make sure to get the ones that are knurled on the shoulders. Part number 12338064. Description Bolt/SCRE 2.042 $2.78 each, get 2.
Jim
Jim
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,009
Likes: 1,116
From: North tonawanda NY
THIS IS the way to go. As for the bolts....they arent just junk, they are metric. You will need the bolts listed above. Your going to have to go in with that info ( 94 Chevy 5.7 L engine) as the parts counter guys may tell you 'no such part exists that will fit a Corvette'. (Trust me, I almost strangled the Napa guy over it)
I havent tried it yet but see no reason it wont be a good upgrade to fight off heatsoak from my sidepipes which I'm sure will cause failure on my stock starter soon.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,009
Likes: 1,116
From: North tonawanda NY
the idea is the gear reduction starters are stronger and better for higher compression engines (plus they are lighter) and also less likely to burn up from the heat of headers /sidepipe setups... I have almost 10:1 compression and my stock starter has no problems turning over the engine.