What starter should I get ? your suggestions needed

[70 RAG TOP]

I need to replace my original starter and  I remember hearing about or reading about using a starter from a newer model engine( such as one out of a dakota?) because it was smaller/lighter and had more torque.  Is this true and if so does anyone have any recommendations.

[femtnmax]

Buy a Mopar mini starter.  I have one, it works great, and is smaller with less weight.  Headers fit around it easier too.
http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/techarticles/engine/26111_starter_upgrade_install/index.html

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/DCC-5007860/

I believe the same mini starter is used for big blocks and small blocks.  Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

[BIGSHCLUNK]

I got my mini from mopardave. denso usa made as I recall. small /light /good torque........

[Bullitt-]

I have a used V6 starter from about a '93 (probably any year is about the same) on my 340, no issues installing & works better than the OE.
I've read that on a big block you have to shorten the battery stud & some headers will not work with a mini starter. 

[TreeFrog]

I just have to ask about the Mini starter....
does it sound like a MOPAR starter ?

[Topcat]

Nobody likes the original starters it seems like.

O.K....Gawd they're hideous sounding, big, and weigh a ton.
But they're heavy duty. Especially early big block units.
Easy to re build too.

Keep your Mopar sounding like a Mopar when you start it. It's part of their character.

Heavy units can take heat better. Iron transfers heat faster than aluminum.

[Aussie Challenger]

Heavy units can take heat better. Iron transfers heat faster than aluminum.

Cast iron can take the heat better without distorting but aluminum transfers heat faster than iron.   

[72cudamaan]

  x2

[brads70]

I went with the smaller aluminum version not just because it spins fast , but also to get rid of weight off the nose! With a BB every little bit helps!

[Chryco Psycho]

With Hedman & some Hooker headers the mini will not fit but I prefer to use a mini where possible , a trip tto the wreckers will usually get you a factory mini from a Dodge truck / van for $30 or os 

[TreeFrog]

got a pic of the mini vs. std?

[Road_Runner]

I use Mopar Performance mini starters on both of mine, one's a big block the other a small block.  I had issues with header interferance with Headman headers on the Roadrunner, Hookers fit fine.  I did a quick search on Ebay and this looks like a really good deal on a rebuilt mini starter:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MOPAR-MINI-STARTER-DODGE-PLYMOUTH-CHRYSLER-/150619484879?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item23119ef2cf

I agree you could always tell a Mopar starting up because it always sounded like it had to think about it before it would finally fire off.  The mini starter fires mine right up, I'll take that over the 'distinctive' sound it used to make.  That's just me, I can understand why someone else would want to keep the old school character.

Later, Jim

[footin70rt]

I picked up a mini starter last fall and installed it over the winter on my big block. Spins it over much faster and it
lights off faster also. Part of me misses that "distinctive" sound, and part of me is glad it's gone. 

[Katfish]

I use Mopar Performance mini starters on both of mine, one's a big block the other a small block.  I had issues with header interferance with Headman headers on the Roadrunner, Hookers fit fine.  I did a quick search on Ebay and this looks like a really good deal on a rebuilt mini starter:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MOPAR-MINI-STARTER-DODGE-PLYMOUTH-CHRYSLER-/150619484879?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item23119ef2cf

I agree you could always tell a Mopar starting up because it always sounded like it had to think about it before it would finally fire off.  The mini starter fires mine right up, I'll take that over the 'distinctive' sound it used to make.  That's just me, I can understand why someone else would want to keep the old school character.

Later, Jim

I bought this exact starter, contacted him directly and he sold it to me for $60 shipped, looks like a new unit.  Hopefully it works well, haven't got around to putting it on.

[Topcat]

I use Mopar Performance mini starters on both of mine, one's a big block the other a small block.  I had issues with header interferance with Headman headers on the Roadrunner, Hookers fit fine.  I did a quick search on Ebay and this looks like a really good deal on a rebuilt mini starter:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MOPAR-MINI-STARTER-DODGE-PLYMOUTH-CHRYSLER-/150619484879?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item23119ef2cf

I agree you could always tell a Mopar starting up because it always sounded like it had to think about it before it would finally fire off.  The mini starter fires mine right up, I'll take that over the 'distinctive' sound it used to make.  That's just me, I can understand why someone else would want to keep the old school character.

Later, Jim

More than once I have heard stories of the nose on the mini starters breaking.

Mis alignment or improperly installed? I don't know.
Are they really heavy duty like the OEM big block units are?