Powermaster XS Torque Starter Install
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2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 2
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Powermaster XS Torque Starter Install
Good evening from East Texas. I have a 1978 base L-82. I have just installed new heads, headers, exhaust, intake, distributor along with Powermater XS Torque model #9500. Finished the install on all of the new parts and had to go with a smaller started due to clearance issues. Went with one suggested by Corvette Central but actually purchased from Summit Racing. Clocked the new starter and went to re-connect the battery and fireworks started. Disconnected the battery, then the starter. Re-connected the battery, no issues. Took starter to Summit Racing where they gladly replaced. Reinstalled and the same thing happened. FIREWORKS! Now I have to replace the negative battery cable. Has anyone experienced this issue in the past? Am I overlooking something? I did not have any issues prior to the mechanic work. Oh, I did not have the distributor or the alternator connected.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,941
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From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
Cruise-In IX Veteran
How are you connecting it? The powermaster XS only has 2 lugs. The big lug gets the power from the battery and the small one gets the trigger wire from the ignition. The ground wire with the starter wires should be on a bellhousing bolt.
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2022
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I installed it just as you described.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,941
Likes: 281
From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
Cruise-In IX Veteran
If you are getting sparks with it hooked up that way, I would look to see if something is touching. I know the earlier c3 has a 90 degree power wire from the battery that requires some bending and insulation so it will not touch the starter body.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,423
Likes: 1,558
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Do you have the correct replacement starter?
https://www.summitracing.com/search/...eyword=starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,423
Likes: 1,558
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
What do you mean by fireworks?
Describe what is going on.
Is the starter extension harness good?
Describe what is going on.
Is the starter extension harness good?
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Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Lititz PA
Good evening from East Texas. I have a 1978 base L-82. I have just installed new heads, headers, exhaust, intake, distributor along with Powermater XS Torque model #9500. Finished the install on all of the new parts and had to go with a smaller started due to clearance issues. Went with one suggested by Corvette Central but actually purchased from Summit Racing. Clocked the new starter and went to re-connect the battery and fireworks started. Disconnected the battery, then the starter. Re-connected the battery, no issues. Took starter to Summit Racing where they gladly replaced. Reinstalled and the same thing happened. FIREWORKS! Now I have to replace the negative battery cable. Has anyone experienced this issue in the past? Am I overlooking something? I did not have any issues prior to the mechanic work. Oh, I did not have the distributor or the alternator connected.
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John