What starter should I get ? your suggestions needed

[Chryco Psycho]

I use minis with most of the builds I have done , I did try to install  mini on a 383 with Hooker Super comp slip tube headers , it was a no go , it may have fit on a 440 with the higher deck height

[Road_Runner]

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?

Knock on wood, I've had the one on the Roadrunner's 383 for years with zero problems, only put the Barracuda's on last year.  There's no doubt that the mini starters are made from lighter material (aluminum), so I could see where they could possibly wear faster than the old units, plus they spin with a lot more torque which also puts more pressure on its parts so I wouldn't be surprised if they wear out or break a few years earlier than the old iron ones.  But the way it effortlessly spins the engine is worth it to me.

And the hookers I said would fit were smaller comp headers and fit very close, so I'm not surprised Chyco says the mini starter won't fit with Hooker Super Comps.  Even though they are smaller, the 'can' part of the starter sits pretty far from the side of the block.

Later, Jim

[72rtchallenger]

I use this mini starter http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MSD-5098/
they work great,I wouldnt go back to the old one

[70 RAG TOP]

How have you guys dealt with the larger diameter mounting hole in the mini starters?  Can you use the original 7/16" bolt/stud or do you use a reducer bushing or shouldered bolt?

[Bullitt-]

No bolt issues on my small block

[Aussie Challenger]

If the starter isn't fitted properly into the recess or spigot in the bellhousing then when tightening up the bolts will actually break the snout or crack it at least. The fact that the housing is alloy shouldn't matter if the starter is fitted properly because the nose bush takes all the force at that end and it should be seated squarely in the recess for support.   

[polarbear123]

I replaced my original starter with a mini in a 440 with hooker super comp. The old starter used to drag when it got hot not the mini. the only problem with the Hookers, you have to pull the headers to get the starter out

[TreeFrog]

Heck i think i am sold on the Mini already....

[brads70]

How have you guys dealt with the larger diameter mounting hole in the mini starters?  Can you use the original 7/16" bolt/stud or do you use a reducer bushing or shouldered bolt?

I re-used the original bolts on the 440.

[Topcat]

If the starter isn't fitted properly into the recess or spigot in the bellhousing then when tightening up the bolts will actually break the snout or crack it at least. The fact that the housing is alloy shouldn't matter if the starter is fitted properly because the nose bush takes all the force at that end and it should be seated squarely in the recess for support.   

Sounds like a good idea as a pre caution to check tolorances on the starter bellhousing snout hole and the starter nose first if and when possible before assembly.