OldCarBum

I'm building the big block in my 73 and looking into which starter is the best.
I've heard that mini starters are the way to go and I'm wondering who makes the best quality and what specs are needed for my big block 496 cu in?

naramlee

yes, they are... heck I nearly broke a toe moving the factory starter from my L-48... the darn thing weighs almost 40lbs... forget that

we've been using ebay starters in our race cars for prolly the last 8 years, they are dam cheap and hold up even to our 16:1 alcohol engine... yeah they are no-name china crap... but they work

what really put the finishing touch was when one of our racing friend went and bought the top-of-the-line Meziere racing starter, almost 600.00... and it crapped out after like the 10th pass and Meziere wouldn't warrant it, they would rebuild it, but not replace it. Sure, it's been run, it's no longer new... but less than two weeks into racing and it craps out? common guys...

so yeah... we've had a few starters last only a few seasons from ebay, but we still have some that are going strong 5+ years later..

my .02 worth

gkull

Gear reduction starters from summit racing just get the highest hp level. I think that mine is 4.3 hp multiple position and dual flywheel tooth

Sigforty

I just went with a powermaster 9526 XS starter. It is a really nice part. I should know how it works in a month when I fire up the engine.

OldCarBum

Thanks gkull, can you explain what dual flywheel tooth is and what advantage it gives me?

TimAT

I'm using this one-- but I can't see spending $300 for a starter when I can get 5 of these. And so far, it's spinning a 10.5:1 compression 496 like it's a 5hp Briggs. Zero complaints.

https://www.dbelectrical.com/product...sdr0031-l.html

gkull

Chevy kinda used 168 tooth flywheels and flex plates on Big Blocks. Small blocks got 153 teeth.

I was wrong mine is only 3.4 HP. I'm not an e-bay person and I would rather spend money on something that can last a lifetime. I've used this one starter on 6 different motors in my vette.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pwm-9400/overview/

naramlee

yeah thats kinda what our bud thought his Meziere starter was supposed to be, my cars all have XS powermasters, race cars are ebay specials

v2racing

I've used Ebay cheap mini starters on multiple cars with zero problems. I had one on my 64 Impala SS for almost 10 years.

Mike

jasper711

Rob McC mini-starters have worked well for me in three hobby cars. They are highly acclaimed in some of the more obscure specialty forums (i.e.: ford FE, Pontiac etc.) but also work well on my corvette.

http://www.robbmcperformance.com/pro...rter_home.html

NewbVetteGuy

I'm with you on this one. The starter has plastic internals and they don't last long but just buy two of them for $100 and leave the spare sitting on the shelf waiting to go. They're also super light because of all the aluminum and plastic. ;-)


Adam

cv67

Bought a $60 mini starter from Pomona Swap meet around 2000?Been on 3 motors so far so good.
Hard to beat a GM type mini....I like the quietness of the factory high torques but they are just too big and heavy.

When it dies Ill spend 35-40 and have it rebuilt, same as the alternator. Those 2 peices are grossly overpriced new .

naramlee

amen brother!

NewbVetteGuy

Wow, that DOES look like a super nice starter (and 8.5 lbs is nice, too).
If I destroy 2 $50 chinese el-cheapos and get sick of replacing them, I might spring for one of these.


Adam

jasper711

I met Rob once and he had worked as a designer/engineer at some other aftermarket manufacturer(s) that were bought out. I believe he personally is involved in the manufacture of these ministarters.

Sigforty

He makes a good looking fuel pump as well. He is also does 1/2" fuel senders for corvette and other GM muscle era vehicles.

ddawson

I've had the same starter for 3 years now and no issues.

OldCarBum

That's kind of my thinking too.
I didn't know they built starters that could be used on 153 or 168 tooth flywheels.
Thanks