High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Southwest Va.
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Formula Firebird WS6
Engine: 350 SB TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Stockers
High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
The Formula's starter starting acting up, sometimes I would get in and hit the key and nothing, then hit it again and she would fire. I decided to put a starter on it. I knew that Chevrolet had SOME high torque mini starters on factory vehicles, especially some trucks, so I Googled "Chevrolet factory high torque mini starters" and an add popped up on Newegg for one. Opened the ad and it had it listed for 61.80 and free shipping. After reading the add I pulled the trigger and purchased it. They rate this starter at 18:1 Compression, itll turn my stock 350 with ease. It arrived today and am happy! Great price and quick service! Ordered Friday and Monday its already here by lunchtime. Granted I am in VA and they are in GA, so its not a horrible ship, but still am amazed at how fast. Cheap alternative to a 200+ dollar Summit unit. Comes with shims and bolts. RAREELECTRICAL.COM
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Southwest Va.
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Formula Firebird WS6
Engine: 350 SB TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Stockers
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
This is the link I purchased from. I will be installing it tomorrow evening late, ill let you know if I have any problems.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...9SIA1BY0PB7672
And they claim it as NEW, even the box that they send it in is a NEW starter, not a rebuild. I think its new electronics, coils, gears, and reused cast iron pieces. Most NEW starters don't come with shims. The reason you need shims is due to the sandblasting of the cast iron mounts taking off layers.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...9SIA1BY0PB7672
And they claim it as NEW, even the box that they send it in is a NEW starter, not a rebuild. I think its new electronics, coils, gears, and reused cast iron pieces. Most NEW starters don't come with shims. The reason you need shims is due to the sandblasting of the cast iron mounts taking off layers.
#4
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: SC
Posts: 725
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '87 IROC-Z | '99 SS
Engine: LB9 | LS1
Transmission: 700R4 | T56
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
This is the link I purchased from. I will be installing it tomorrow evening late, ill let you know if I have any problems.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...9SIA1BY0PB7672
And they claim it as NEW, even the box that they send it in is a NEW starter, not a rebuild. I think its new electronics, coils, gears, and reused cast iron pieces. Most NEW starters don't come with shims. The reason you need shims is due to the sandblasting of the cast iron mounts taking off layers.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...9SIA1BY0PB7672
And they claim it as NEW, even the box that they send it in is a NEW starter, not a rebuild. I think its new electronics, coils, gears, and reused cast iron pieces. Most NEW starters don't come with shims. The reason you need shims is due to the sandblasting of the cast iron mounts taking off layers.
#5
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Southwest Va.
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Formula Firebird WS6
Engine: 350 SB TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Stockers
Trending Topics
#8
Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: NW Montana
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1985 Volvo turbodiesel
Engine: 1989 305 TPI in the Volvo
Transmission: 1990 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.73 Dana 30
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
Ugh, wish I'd seen this a week ago, just replaced my starter with big one. Bookmarking for next time
#9
Supreme Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Northern, CA
Posts: 4,482
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Car: 1989 Iroc-Z Camaro
Engine: TBI,5.0
Transmission: Automatic 700R4
Axle/Gears: Eaton Posi,3.42,LPW Ultimate Cover
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
I’m a strong believer in rapping starters in a thermal blanket if it’s in any way near the Y pipe. The whole starter, not just around it. It will add years to its life.
#10
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Southwest Va.
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Formula Firebird WS6
Engine: 350 SB TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Stockers
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
FIRST - Thanks for the bump. Secondly I also agree that wrapping a starter is a good thing on those huge starters that comes stock. Not so much on these mini starters, they don't get nowhere near as close as a stock starter and saving a few pounds is always a good thing...
#11
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: GO PACK GO
Posts: 4,211
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 83Z28 HO
Engine: Magnacharged Dart Little M 408
Transmission: G Force 5 speed
Axle/Gears: Moser 9" w/Detroit Trutrac
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
I went through the cheap lifetime warranty starters from Autozone one after the other...I finally gave up. Got sick and tired of replacing it every 3 months.
I have a Power master mini starter on mine now, and I love it...but I only wish I'd have gotten it that cheap!
#12
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Southwest Va.
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Formula Firebird WS6
Engine: 350 SB TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Stockers
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
That's a great price for a mini starter!! Great find, and if it's been going well for you for three years it sounds like it's decent!
I went through the cheap lifetime warranty starters from Autozone one after the other...I finally gave up. Got sick and tired of replacing it every 3 months.
I have a Power master mini starter on mine now, and I love it...but I only wish I'd have gotten it that cheap!
I went through the cheap lifetime warranty starters from Autozone one after the other...I finally gave up. Got sick and tired of replacing it every 3 months.
I have a Power master mini starter on mine now, and I love it...but I only wish I'd have gotten it that cheap!
#13
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: SC
Posts: 725
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '87 IROC-Z | '99 SS
Engine: LB9 | LS1
Transmission: 700R4 | T56
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
I know this is a silly question..... How do you know how many shims are necessary? I have never replaced a starter before... and I am contemplating jumping on one of these starters as opposed to have the original unit that was in the car rebuilt. My car currently has a reman starter, and sometimes when you attempt to turn it over, a high pitch grind/whine is emitted without spinning the engine. I suspect the solenoid does not completely drive the gear out far enough into the flywheel when it tries to spin the starter motor.
#14
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
That is a way to tell shim(s) needed.
Very carefully pull // pry the starter gear out to the flywheel // flexplate.
Using a straightened paper clip, check the depth of tooth engagement.
The paper clip should just fit the tooth & gap. If not, add a shim & recheck.
Do this til the starter gear fits the gap with the paper clip clearance space.
You can search youtube for a visual tutorial.
Very carefully pull // pry the starter gear out to the flywheel // flexplate.
Using a straightened paper clip, check the depth of tooth engagement.
The paper clip should just fit the tooth & gap. If not, add a shim & recheck.
Do this til the starter gear fits the gap with the paper clip clearance space.
You can search youtube for a visual tutorial.
#15
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: SC
Posts: 725
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '87 IROC-Z | '99 SS
Engine: LB9 | LS1
Transmission: 700R4 | T56
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
That is a way to tell shim(s) needed.
Very carefully pull // pry the starter gear out to the flywheel // flexplate.
Using a straightened paper clip, check the depth of tooth engagement.
The paper clip should just fit the tooth & gap. If not, add a shim & recheck.
Do this til the starter gear fits the gap with the paper clip clearance space.
You can search youtube for a visual tutorial.
Very carefully pull // pry the starter gear out to the flywheel // flexplate.
Using a straightened paper clip, check the depth of tooth engagement.
The paper clip should just fit the tooth & gap. If not, add a shim & recheck.
Do this til the starter gear fits the gap with the paper clip clearance space.
You can search youtube for a visual tutorial.
#16
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Salt Lake
Posts: 844
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC & ROLL-Z
Engine: L98 Vortec FIRST TPI
Transmission: T56, Mech Speedo
Axle/Gears: G92 J65 3.27
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
Too bad it wont fit manual trans
#17
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Southwest Va.
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Formula Firebird WS6
Engine: 350 SB TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Stockers
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
Why not?
#18
Supreme Member
iTrader: (29)
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Location, Location!
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 92 T/A 'vert
Engine: Mild .040 over L98 4 bolt mains
Transmission: Mostly stock 700R4, 2600 Vigilante
Axle/Gears: LS1 3.42
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
I had one of these. Lasted less than a year. Developed a "dead" spot, (had to whack it to get it to spin). Then one day, (in the tech inspection line at the track, of course!), it decided to not pull the drive all the way back and chewed up my sfi rated flex plate. I found a new, genuine GM B/F body LT1 starter for $100 at rock auto. Small, light weight but no cool "whine".
#20
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Southwest Va.
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Formula Firebird WS6
Engine: 350 SB TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Stockers
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
Ok, this thing is a mini starter, and I can tell you from pulling my big clunky one off, that the bell on the new MINI starter is MUCH smaller than the bell on the old clunky 30lb piece.
#21
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Southwest Va.
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Formula Firebird WS6
Engine: 350 SB TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Stockers
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
Only update I have on this starter is there is a bracket that runs from the engine block to the back of the old big klunky unit on the car to hold up all that weight. The mini starter isn't long enough to reach the bracket, so the bracket is toast. Second, you have to reroute the large gauge wire running from the battery to the back of the solenoid just a little bit by clipping one of the little tie downs on the bottom of the radiator, the new solenoid on the new mini starter does not set back as far as the klunky unit, there is about a 1/2 to 3/4" difference.. Minor stuff though.
#22
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: GO PACK GO
Posts: 4,211
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 83Z28 HO
Engine: Magnacharged Dart Little M 408
Transmission: G Force 5 speed
Axle/Gears: Moser 9" w/Detroit Trutrac
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
Only update I have on this starter is there is a bracket that runs from the engine block to the back of the old big klunky unit on the car to hold up all that weight. The mini starter isn't long enough to reach the bracket, so the bracket is toast. Second, you have to reroute the large gauge wire running from the battery to the back of the solenoid just a little bit by clipping one of the little tie downs on the bottom of the radiator, the new solenoid on the new mini starter does not set back as far as the klunky unit, there is about a 1/2 to 3/4" difference.. Minor stuff though.
Re-routing the wiring is a bigger headache...but it's expected since the solenoid sits back further than the stock one since it's smaller. I'll go out on a limb and say a mini-starter of some kind is a must have when you're running either LT or shortie headers. Headers give off a LOT of heat.
#23
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Southwest Va.
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Formula Firebird WS6
Engine: 350 SB TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Stockers
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
Sounds good...no need for the support bracket really, since most mini starters are half the weight of the stockers. Most of the starters I've installed don't need to be shimmed...but maybe I just got lucky.
Re-routing the wiring is a bigger headache...but it's expected since the solenoid sits back further than the stock one since it's smaller. I'll go out on a limb and say a mini-starter of some kind is a must have when you're running either LT or shortie headers. Headers give off a LOT of heat.
Re-routing the wiring is a bigger headache...but it's expected since the solenoid sits back further than the stock one since it's smaller. I'll go out on a limb and say a mini-starter of some kind is a must have when you're running either LT or shortie headers. Headers give off a LOT of heat.
#24
Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Watertown NY
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Car: 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700r4
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
I bought a similar unit from DB electrical
http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-10547-...t-sdr0059.aspx
They are a Chinese made unit, but all new parts and castings. Mine has been good so far, really cranks the engine faster than the stock type reman I had on before. Much smaller and lighter too.
http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-10547-...t-sdr0059.aspx
They are a Chinese made unit, but all new parts and castings. Mine has been good so far, really cranks the engine faster than the stock type reman I had on before. Much smaller and lighter too.
#26
Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: NW Montana
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1985 Volvo turbodiesel
Engine: 1989 305 TPI in the Volvo
Transmission: 1990 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.73 Dana 30
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
How many times have you used the starter though? 2000 times or 4 times? Just kidding, If its AC Delco. should be good quality. Any fitment issues at all? or was it bolt and go?
#28
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 808
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 88 GTA Notchback
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: don't know
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
I got the exact same starter as the OP. Just put it in. Sounds, ummmm, different. We shall see.
#33
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: East coast, northern. Gonna head to Fla. soon, retirement .
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: Got me a nice little '86 Z28.
Engine: A brand new 350 with a forged lower
Transmission: 5 speed, TKO600.
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 373 modified zexel.
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
Just FYI, rare electrical has a store on ebay . I have purchased many different starters and alternator's from them with no problems.
#34
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
#37
Senior Member
iTrader: (17)
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Rincon, Ga.
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
6 Posts
Car: 91 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TPI conversion.
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.73 posi 4th gen rear
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
I could not find any information about if it wil work or not on a 5spd. does anyone know for sure either way?
#38
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: East coast, northern. Gonna head to Fla. soon, retirement .
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: Got me a nice little '86 Z28.
Engine: A brand new 350 with a forged lower
Transmission: 5 speed, TKO600.
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 373 modified zexel.
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
Yes, it will as long as your using the stock starter mount on the engine. I suggest also using the stock type bolt's with the knurl on the lower end, as that knurl help's to steady the starter, so the aluminum housing doesn't break.
#39
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
http://www.gmpartscenter.net/oem-par...arter/10465065. thats what I have for my gear reduction starter. I finally found my receipt misplaced in my tax files.
#40
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Southwest Va.
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Formula Firebird WS6
Engine: 350 SB TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Stockers
Well it has been 6 months for the rare electrical starter with absolutely no problems, and it was only 60ish dollars.. Super happy..
#41
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
I paid about the same amount.
I had my gear reduction starter since July and no problems. I replaced my factory original heat soaked starter when my ignition module died (it was a airtek wells ICM and I replaced it with a bwd). I thought I would solve two problems at once.
Last edited by KITT1983; 02-14-2014 at 06:58 AM.
#43
Senior Member
iTrader: (17)
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Rincon, Ga.
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
6 Posts
Car: 91 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TPI conversion.
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.73 posi 4th gen rear
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
Im going to order one tomorrow. going to put it on my 305 5 speed. everything I read here says it will work. ill post up
#44
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Southwest Va.
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Formula Firebird WS6
Engine: 350 SB TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Stockers
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
It will work, just remember, you cant use the old starter support bracket which you really don't need anyway due to the weight reduction of the new starter, and you may have to break loose a retaining clip on the bottom of the radiator support to make more length for the positive battery cable to reach the mini starter.
#45
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 808
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 88 GTA Notchback
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: don't know
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
Iv had mine on DD duty since October of 2013 and it is still working like the day I put it on.
#47
Senior Member
iTrader: (17)
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Rincon, Ga.
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
6 Posts
Car: 91 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TPI conversion.
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.73 posi 4th gen rear
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
i put it in the other day and so far so good. it was easy to install and hook up. i did have to adjust the harness to bring the wires closer and my power cable was plenty close.
i am going to reroute the starter wires to go behind the motor to clean up the top and fromt later on.
i am going to reroute the starter wires to go behind the motor to clean up the top and fromt later on.
#50
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1990 Firebird Formula
Engine: 5.0 TPI
Re: High Torque Mini Starter from rarelelctrical.com
Purchased this from Newegg based on the comments here, and installed it last week on my Firebird with a 5-speed manual T5 World Class
Best purchase I have done this year by far.
Starts the car any time, no matter how hot it is. I highly recommend it.
Thanks for this great find!
Best purchase I have done this year by far.
Starts the car any time, no matter how hot it is. I highly recommend it.
Thanks for this great find!