high torque mini starters
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,194
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From: Tempe AZ
high torque mini starters
According to a relative who works at a local Chevy dealer, a person in their parts dept. told him a high torque mini starter is a bad idea for my Vette because it is STRICTLY for race cars, and is only good for 12 to 15 starts before it needs replacement. Now, my standard started is going bad, and I've been told it's because of it's close proximity to my after market headers "frying" it. It was suggested by my racing friends that I should get a high torque mini starter because it can handle the heat better, and therefor last longer. Well, I bought a high torque mini starter from different Chevy dealer (but have not installed it yet) before my relative told me it was only good for 12 to 15 starts. Now, this sounds absurd to me. I mean, a high end Tilton high torque mini starter costs hundreds, so I cant believe it would only be good for a few starts. Will a high torque mini starter last and work better for me than a standard starter?
[Modified by Corvette_fetish, 8:03 PM 9/9/2003]
[Modified by Corvette_fetish, 8:03 PM 9/9/2003]
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 163
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From: Madison al
St. Jude Contributor
Re: high torque mini starters (Corvette_fetish)
:iagree:
All I have ever heard is good things about them, I have yet to hear any one day it was a bad idea installing one. After I get mine back from the exhaust shop that is the next thing I am installing. That way I dont have to worry about heat soak at all.
All I have ever heard is good things about them, I have yet to hear any one day it was a bad idea installing one. After I get mine back from the exhaust shop that is the next thing I am installing. That way I dont have to worry about heat soak at all.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,844
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From: Pearland TX
St. Jude Contributor
Re: high torque mini starters (Corvette_fetish)
Whatever you do.... make sure you overrate the starter compared to your engine. I put a Powermaster high-torque mini-starter rated at 10:1 compression on my '74 engine(355CI/427HP) w/ 9.8:1 pistons and after about 6-8 times of turning the motor it seriously gets hot & overloaded. Pay the extra money for one that is rated to 12:1-14:1 compression.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 4,430
Likes: 0
From: Harrisonburg, VA
Re: high torque mini starters (paul67)
After MUCH searching and questioning of people on and off the forum, we went with this: http://www.mean-green.com/
Works like a charm, guaranteed unconditionally for 2 years, and have a heck of a lot more than 15 starts on it. :lol:
There is no cranking at all with this thing. Even a perfect working stock style starter cranks an engine a little. This thing seems like it turns the engine over before I even turn the key! :D
Works like a charm, guaranteed unconditionally for 2 years, and have a heck of a lot more than 15 starts on it. :lol:
There is no cranking at all with this thing. Even a perfect working stock style starter cranks an engine a little. This thing seems like it turns the engine over before I even turn the key! :D
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,943
Likes: 44
From: Florham Park NJ Port Credit Ontario
Re: high torque mini starters (Corvette_fetish)
Its no wonder I never ever take my car to the Chevy dealership. I wouldnt even let those guys put air in the tires.
Tell your relative to stop talking to that parts department guy asap, his stupidity is like a bad virus.
Having said that, My mini starter cranks like a **** and has lasted at least 16-20 starts. :p:
Tell your relative to stop talking to that parts department guy asap, his stupidity is like a bad virus.
Having said that, My mini starter cranks like a **** and has lasted at least 16-20 starts. :p:
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,194
Likes: 0
From: Tempe AZ
Re: high torque mini starters (bgrice)
Whatever you do.... make sure you overrate the starter compared to your engine... Pay the extra money for one that is rated to 12:1-14:1 compression.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,194
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From: Tempe AZ
Re: high torque mini starters (paul67)
Three years and 100s of starts. Still going strong.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,663
Likes: 3
From: Palm Harbor FL
Re: high torque mini starters (Corvette_fetish)
I bought a CVR from Jeg's for my Z28 with a 383 and 10.5:1 CR. Works like a charm after MANY starts (enough that I couldn't even tell you how many). Had to make the change due to heat/header problems. Haven't had a problem since and cranks every time.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 9
From: B'Ville NY
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05
Re: high torque mini starters (79MakoL82)
I replaced my stock style starter this summer with a Jegs mini high torque starter and it works like a charm. Aside from the extra $$$, it's been a good choice so far ;) .
Ask your relative or where you bought the starter what kind of warrantee comes with it. It would seem they could only warantee it for a week if you drove the car to and from work for a week (2x7=14 starts).
Ask your relative or where you bought the starter what kind of warrantee comes with it. It would seem they could only warantee it for a week if you drove the car to and from work for a week (2x7=14 starts).
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,692
Likes: 29
From: Texas
Re: high torque mini starters (79MakoL82)
A few years ago I was going through stock starters about every 6 months. Then got a Protorque Mini Starter and also wrapped it with a reflective blanket. Now, 3 years later and 60,000 miles later, starts like the day I bought it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 6,493
Likes: 6
From: Bloomington MN
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: high torque mini starters (Corvette_fetish)
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
Re: high torque mini starters (Budman78)
If this BS were to be true I'd be really in the boonies, I have a Tilton XLT mini starter, even smaller than the one Paul posted so I guess I'll be able to start 3 times or so :lol: :eek: :jester
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,194
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From: Tempe AZ
Re: high torque mini starters (Twin_Turbo)
If this BS were to be true I'd be really in the boonies, I have a Tilton XLT mini starter, even smaller than the one Paul posted so I guess I'll be able to start 3 times or so :lol: :eek: :jester
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
Re: high torque mini starters (Corvette_fetish)
The tilton is so small it's almost unbelievable, it's about 1/2 the size of the bulky stock thing and you can literlly pick it up with 2 fingers.
I could use a little space w/ the downpipes running close to the starter, it would mean frequent starter replacement otherwise
I could use a little space w/ the downpipes running close to the starter, it would mean frequent starter replacement otherwise
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: high torque mini starters (Corvette_fetish)
Ive had my mini starter for years and hundreds of starts with never a problem.
Can you believe anyone would make a starter good for only 12-15 starts? Really?
Can you believe anyone would make a starter good for only 12-15 starts? Really?