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Hey fellow Pantera enthusiasts! My starter went out on my way back from a car show today (push started it, no worries). I was just wondering what everyone's opinion is on what starter to go with. My '74 is pretty much bone stock, no wild engine mods, stock compression. What is the best starter to go with? Do I need to go hi-torq or do I just stick with a generic 351 Cleveland starter from one of the chain stores?

BTW - I hear an audible click when I turn the key, so I suspect the solenoid is good, but I haven't properly troubleshot it yet. Thanks in advance!

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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

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.

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.

DB Starter

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@rlee63a4 posted:

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

DB Starter

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.Mini-Starter-wiring-change

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

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Last edited by garth66

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