James C4

I'm about to put Melrose headers on my car and have read that the headers will have to be unbolted to get the stock starter out, which I do not want to have to do the next time my starter goes bad. I've looked at a lot of different places, but I'm not quite sure what I should buy. I'm considering this starter from TSP. Is TSP a trusted brand? If not, I'm probably going to go with this one from Summit because I've read that it is good. I'm just considering the one from TSP because it's cheaper and I'm trying to not spend any more money than I have to. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
James

Boggedust

I put the one from summit on my 87 after doing hooker long tubes. Works well so far. Some rewiring was needed.

c4cruiser

Back when I added headers (Hedman Elites) to my '87 I also went to a mini-starter from Summit Racing. The one I bought was clockable and was a direct bolt-in. I didn't have to modify any wiring; it was a complete plug-n-play. The '87 originally had the large GM starter and it would have been a PITA to deal with a starter that would not come out unless the header was loosened up. The Summit starter would drop straight down once the two bolts were removed.

It might be a good idea to get one of the heat shield wraps for the starter. Headers will generate a lot of heat so look for headers with a ceramic coating but still use the wrap.

vader86

When I changed to headers on my 86, which has the same starter as 84, I went with a stock one from 88-91 vettes. Just be aware that the smaller starters can sometimes require a wire lengthening or a shim. I didn't have to do so though.

James C4

Thank you all for the information. I'll probably go ahead and order the one from Summit and make sure it comes with shims.

BLUE1972

I got a power master for 13:1, over kill but I got tired of changing starters.

Hooker Custom long tube - I changed 3 stock starters - you can change them but you don't want to.

Get a heat shield, it's a good investment.


Worked 85 w / 6 speed Richmond.

James C4

@BLUE1972 I've seen multiple people telling me to get a heat shield or heat wrap so I'll definitely look into it. Thanks.

84 4+3

Did you happen to get the ceramic coating? That will help a ton as well.

James C4

@84 4+3 I did end up getting it because Melrose said it would reduce the heat. Hopefully that will help with heat spreading to other parts.

84 4+3

With the ceramic coating it shouldn't be much hotter than normal manifolds, I surmise the rather good insulting properties of the ceramic help a ton.

BLUE1972

It helps until you really get on it and the headers turn a cherry red.

The heat shield was the second best investment since the mini starter. Hooker Ceramic coated long tube..

James C4

@84 4+3 @BLUE1972 Thanks for the info. I'm glad that the ceramic coating will actually be useful and I'll definitely buy insulating wrap for my new starter.

84 4+3

This is also true. But not all coatings are created equal either. That being said, I'd assume Hooker does inside and out like melrose. I've got uncoated headers on the 67, when the Efan comes on the heat those throw off will burn the hair right off your leg coming from under the car.