Hey guys can someone assist me in picking out a start for my 1987, I'm installing a new set of headers and heard the original starter is too big and to go with a mini. Do you know if i can use a start off a newer c4 I've heard you can. Or if there is a particular starter i can use that may survive the heat better! Thanks guys.

 

When I put headers on my '86 I installed an LT1 starter from a '95 Z28 parts car. It fits fine and the wires dropped right into place. I can also tell you the stock starter on a '91 (smaller than old style) fits with headers too.

 

My MSD Dynaforce starter has never skipped a beat below headers.

https://www.msdperformance.com/produ...ers/parts/5095

 

I used a LT1 Corvette starter (92) I think from advance on my 85 . I had to buy a longer positive battery cable because the big lug is further away on the starter though.

 

I bought a high yourgue mini starter from Summit, cost around a hundred bucks. Much smaller, no fitment issues, ect.

 

I don't know if the 87 starter is different from the one on my 88' but I've had headers for years and I am still using the oem starter, without issue. Everything fits in my 88' so I'm not sure that you actually need an aftermarket mini starter to install headers...

 

This is good information! I might try for fitment with the OME, bc if it fit an 88 it might work for me and if I have issues, then I may try to source a starter from a 91-95 corvette on the forum and if I have trouble with that, I might try the DynoMax. Thanks guys!

 

I don't know if it's still a problem but back when I was much younger you could have heat soak issues with the starter being too close to headers. They made heat shields to fit around starter to help dissipate the heat from getting to the starter. I used one on an old Chevy and it was very much needed in my case.

 

I did the same thing when I installed a set of Hedman Elites in my '87. I bought a Summit mini stater and it installed with no problems. The positive cable fit as did the other wires with no mods. The starter I bought was "clockable" in that the starter and solenoid could be rotated for the best fit.

The '87 (and earlier) starters are the large GM starter that was found in all Gen 1 small block Chevy engines. '88 and later C4's used a Hitachi-style starter (the small version). There is nothing wrong with that early starter; it's just that the size of it makes re-installing it with the headers in place a royal PITA. The headers have to be loose to get that big starter up to the mounting location. Once the headers are placed to where they can be bolted up, install the spark plugs!! Then bolt the headers on to the heads.

Also, headers on the '87 may require that you build a bracket for the dipstick tube so that it attaches to the block. The #6 plug wire may need to be changed to a 90 degree boot instead of the OEM 135 degree boot for that cylinder.

I didn't have to modify the A/C compressor bracket to get it back on, but the I did make a tube spacer for a longer bolt at the #2 exhaust flange.

A wraparound heat shield may be something to use but I never had any heat soak issues with my setup. I did a number of track days in the summer time and lots of autocross events. The fuel lines that come up from the frame rail and get close to the headers should be shielded.

 

Great information! I will be doing alittle thermo wrapping of fuel lines, oil cooler lines (KC4), oil filter will probably get a "mitten" and I might make a heat wall for the starter depending on which one I get. If I get a used 91-95 I will, but if I get a dinomax I won't be as worried. I also am really hoping I'll be able to work around the dip stick tube, I think I will be, but I'll let you guys know!

 

I did the same thing with TPIS headers. No problems at all...

 

I have Hedmans on my `86 since `01, with the stock Starter. I don't have to remove them to install it, but it is a PITA. You have to move it around just right to get it in. But, if it ever goes bad I will install the later smaller one. RVN `68-`70

 

I used an 88-91 starter on my 86 when i went to headers.

 

Vader, did you have any issues with wiring being too short? I have the 88 starter, yet to install, and noticed the solenoid connections are a little different.

 

You sorta need to start out defining what headers you will use, as they all have different fitment. For me, a selection criteria for my header choice was one that wouldn't prevent easy replacement of starter after headers were on. I chose TPIS headers, and they didn't have any issues with the larger starter, installing nor after installing, w/ adequate clearance. I'm not saying installing the headers was easy, the installer had to loosen motor mounts and lift engine a bit on mine to get them in, but no problem with starter. Also, regardless of header brand, incl TPIS, get new manifold bolts that have the hex heads and not stock standard bolts, so you don't have to dimple in the pipes for the bolts to fit. I had to dimple in 3 for the TPIS, because I only had stock bolts on hand (since that's all they claimed they needed). OVerall I'm very happy with the TPIS quality and fitment. I had some fitment problems with my 85 style Y pipe, but don't think that will effect you with a 87.

 

As I recall, we had to shim, but didn't need to extend any wires.

 

I have melrose headers on my 84, and i'm still running the original 84 large starter.

A mini starter will make install easier, i had to pull my starter in order to get the header in position, then using a jackstand to hold it in place i installed the starter.
Once the starter was in place i could then move the header fully into position.

From there my starter was a bit close to my header, i used heat wrap to protect the wires and the starter motor.

If it gets to close an extra header gasket can help.

​​​​​​​I plan on installing a mini starter and a nice heat shield later down the road, but so far i have not had any issues.

 

What exactly is the problem you are trying to solve? I wanted a higher torque starter which is why I went to a mini-hitorque starter. If you put the headers on and the starter fits, do you really want to spend the money? If so, we can recommend a mini starter that is high torquing. If not, I would try the current one and see what happens before I go there.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/n...make/chevrolet

You can rotate it for better clearance too

 

You may not have a problem. I added Headman long tube racing headers on my 89 way back in 2003. Stock starter. These headers are thin wall, no ceramic coating or wrap, lots of heat but never had an issue.

 

88+ have the smaller starters. It's us early guys with the behemoth starters that have to worry about heat soak.