Starters

Hi rudy,
Most of the aftermarket mini-starters have the pinion gear overhung from the starter, supported on only one side. As a result, it is common for these drives to break and/or wear out quickly. Ford SVO offers a series of mini-starters that do have the pinion supported on both sides. Although I haven't done a direct comparison, the Ford starter doesn't seem to be quite as small as some. But if the Ford starter will fit in the space available, it should be more durable. I couldn't find my SVO catalog, but I think they are available for both Windsor and Cleveland engines. In a situation like yours a sheet metal heat shield could easily make the difference between a membership in the starter of the month club, or no more problems. Good luck...Al English

I bought a McLeod ministarter in 1989 for both my autocross Z-28 and my Pantera. Both have worked flawlessly ever since. Both cars run 10-1/2:1 compression and start engines smoking-hot within 5 turns. Be sure the heavy ground wire from the end of your ZF to the frame is there and is on a clean spot. Re the 351C: Ford changed the design of the flywheel around 1969, so be real sure you get the proper starter. McLeod said that theirs was an AUTOMATIC-trans starter that worked on stanndard-shift 351Cs. I exchanged a metric stud for a 1/2" longer one since my starter had an auto-trans adapter plate included, which made the flange thicker. Most of the ministarters (McLeod, Tilton, Hamburger et al) are really Hitachi units meant for a Nissen 300ZX, that are adapted with a custom nosepiece to fit US engines. Recommended for all street engines.