Starter Motor

No need for a high torque starter unless you have experienced starting problems or have a highly modified engine.

and yes, the click is likely the solenoid which does point to the starter as being the problem.

however, in all things electronic in a Pantera, the first thing you should do is check your grounding connections.

of course, make sure you get a starter for a manual transmission as they differ from an automatic transmission starter

Larry

It could also be a charging or battery problem. Or a ground problem as Larry described.  It is also possible that connections at solenoid are corroded.  Your starter might fine.

Maybe verify that battery voltage is between 12.5 and 13 volts.

These starters are popular and effective.

Definitely check your battery first. Your engine is pretty standard, so I would just go with a replacement stock starter if your battery is good. That is what I did with mine and it has functioned perfectly for at least 5 years. I had no problem getting it in and out, without having to take off the GTS tubular headers. I heard that some of the high-torque starters make an annoying whining sound when starting, so just something to watch out for if you go that route.

cheers, Tim.

If you go for the high torque starter be careful of the specified throw out  clearance - you may need shims on the unit mount to get it right. 

FWIW, I installed a DB Electronics Mini PMGR Starter PN#3223 a couple of years ago. I couldn't get the stock Ford starter past the headers and the frame rail as much as I tried--So close. I didn't want to removed the headers. So, I ended up taking the old starter apart in place and removed it piece by piece. Otherwise no issues other than I replaced the studs to compensate for the thicker flange to ensure there were plenty of threads to secure the starter to the bellhousing.

@rlee63a4 posted:

FWIW, I installed a DB Electronics Mini PMGR Starter PN#3223 a couple of years ago.

I installed a DB Electrical starter about 10-12 years ago and it's worked great ever since!  Be sure to request the free wiring kit if you order from them as you need to change which side of the solenoid the starter is powered from.

The top illustration is the stock wiring configuration, and the bottom illustration is how the PGMR starter needs to be wired to be triggered from the integral solenoid on the starter.

I also put a DB Electrical PGMR starter in my 66 Mustang 11 years ago, and it's been flawless too!

Thank you for the reply. I was curious how the wiring should be on a starter with the solenoid mounted on the starter (as many of the "direct replacement" starters from the chain stores are configured). This schematic clears it up. Thanks! BTW - what gauge wire did you use to the output side of the solenoid?

@DeTomasoman posted:

BTW - what gauge wire did you use to the output side of the solenoid?

Whatever wire DB Electrical sent with the starter for this purpose.  I'm not sure what gauge it is.