My old POS Episode 1. High Torque Mini-Starter Swap!

Today I'm replacing the factory style starter on my 383 small block Chevy with a Summit high torque mini-starter. Why? Because the factory starter is tool close to the headers and is heat soaking so bad it's left me at the gas station several times. Same steps apply for any small or big block Chevy or 90 degree V6 Chevy.

[@rickandersen8632]

I have the same problem with my 1987 Fleetwood Bounder RV. As soon as it gets hot, it won't crank over unless I let it cool off a little. It has headers and a 454ci Chevy engine. I've gone thru 2 OEM starters already and I am going with the mini starter idea. Your video was very informative and humorous at the same time. You gotta laugh at yourself from time to time. I do right after saying the F word a few times. I'm looking forward to the final results. Thanks.

[@mattheweburns]

We typically burn directions before reading... Makes the experience and inevitable "learning moments" more memorable. Plus more time for beer in the shop! Honestly tho, thanks for this video, very very helpful!

[@jozab2]

I needed to know where the wires attached as my mini starter has no markings other than 9905. The alternator wire hook up is the only one I couldn't tell where it attached but other than that, I liked your video. Thanks

[@robertljones7566]

That was an awesome demonstration. Thanks for keeping it real. Mr Goodwrench has to applaud you as well. I will use this in my installation attempt on my 1981 Corvette.

[@inthegarage8224]

Thank you! Hoping to do follow up vid in the next week or so.

[@stevenwilleck7742]

@@inthegarage8224what color is the wire

[@stevenwilleck7742]

@@inthegarage8224 I have a 1980 Chevy c2o

[@karlx-1]

I love how at 25:27 the whole firewall flexes when you pump the gas. Those DJ mail jeeps would sell at public auction for $50. A great platform for basically ANYTHING.

[@mikemorone193]

Glad I watched this. I just put a mini starter in my Jeep which I have a Chevy 4.3 engine. It kept grinding. Now I know to shim the mounting block with the spacers.

[@bobby_v_bbq3659]

Good stuff bro, nicely detailed. Very helpful. Keep up the good work.

[@handlesarestupid1234]

thanks for taking the time to put together this video. my truck is currently having the same heat soak issue.

[@inthegarage8224]

You're very welcome. I have to say I've been pretty happy with it so far. It's run like a champ so far, even on the 100 degree days.

[@1971mgb]

Im doing a smallblock SBC into my 1957 Series 1 Land Rover Chevy V8 conversion. Using a high torque gear reduction starter. Nice video, tip of the hat to you...

[@rpeek]

Good video. Thanks much!

[@1967RTMOPAR]

Good video, i noticed the Jeep is RHD. I live in the UK so was curious. Is it an old US mail vehicle ?

[@ooigfgnnkhjjnc]

Get rid of the glass fuel filter unless you like fire.

[@jonhsmith2706]

My starter didn't come with bolts how do I find the bolts sir

[@b9307893]

For sbc 168 tooth offset mount starter replacement, go get a starter for a 2004 chevy avalanche 8.1L and a few shims for the starter and bolts $90 mini starter with a lifetime warranty...

[@Bobthebuilder.69]

A 2003 chevy xtreme 4.3 has a factory high torque mini starter that turns over my 13:1 383. I never would have believed it would spin over a high compression sbc but it works great, even in the heat.

[@TONELOWthaWRITER]

ive been having trouble with my small block i thought it was the alternator until i started it and unplugged the positive battery cable and it was still running, then i thought my battery was bad. my fruend just told me last night this could be the problem and ive been doing reasearch all day and come to the conclusion he was right about the heat soaking issue..... now do i have to buy a whole new starter or could i buy a heat shield? and if a heat shield should i buy the wrap or the metal one?

[@inthegarage8224]

I tried the header/exhaust wrap but it didn't help in my case. I did not try the metal shield that goes around the starter so it's possible that may work, but I haven't tested it. As long as the starter hasn't been permanently damaged by the heat it should be fine. The heat shield would be a cheaper experiment to try first before replacing the starter.

[@MrMikey1224]

Your not an idiot for not reading the instructions first, either way you would have had to put the starter in to check for the 1/8th" clearance, so you still would be doing it twice

[@inthegarage8224]

Well thank you kindly :)

[@salvadorbernardo8284]

@@inthegarage8224 I have a454 Chevy block I'm having problems with the eatarters I must replace five times and is not doing any better the mini hi speed starter will make a big difference the original wen to hang kind of acquired and does not angage proper with the flywil and vendice

[@oldchevytruck4428]

@25:27 I don't think your booster is supposed to move that much lol

[@acrobatsigns]

firewall flex... lol

[@mauricezurliene1892]

you better check the bolts that hold on your power brake boster

[@dizzzlbgat9199]

so the mini starter is for either tooth right I was thinking purchasing one.

[@inthegarage8224]

It says it is in the instructions. I don't have another size flexplate to 100% verify that though. :)