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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: Stewart G Griffin on July 03, 2021, 08:20:56 pm

Title: The Late Model mini-starter upgrade:
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on July 03, 2021, 08:20:56 pm

i recently,likely, roasted my starter.  Will discuss in more detail in my other posts.

i had always wanted to try a mini starter, and as you might have heard, GM put smaller, gear-reduction type starters on the vortec trucks----like after 98 or something?   Trucks, suburbans, tahoes, vans etc. as these all had the original small block until 2003 as you know.

i found a part # that works:   AC delco part # 3371022.   This cross references to a 1999 c-1500 pickup.   This will work on any chevy big block, small block or 90 degree v-6 that has a 168 tooth flexplate.   Much smaller and lighter than the original type starters.   Also, more torque due to the gear reduction vs. 1:1 of the older type starters.   Less amp draw and better efficiency.

Important NOTE: You will need starter bolts, GM part # 12338046. These bolts are shorter than the traditional starter bolts----i ASSume because the newer style starter bodies are shorter too?

Bottom line for starter bolts: The traditional starter bolts WON'T work with the newer starters. You need the specific newer starter bolts.

(https://i.imgur.com/MyOOYaS.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VKj0sVk.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZhZusKq.jpg)

Correct, shorter starter bolts on the left.   Regular starter bolts on the right.

i feel this is a very good upgrade.

Title: Re: The Late Model mini-starter upgrade:
Post by: DanMcG on July 04, 2021, 01:52:15 am

Great information, thanks for sharing!

Title: Re: The Late Model mini-starter upgrade:
Post by: JohnnyPopper on July 04, 2021, 11:47:32 pm

Thanks Stewart!

I'm in the market for the '80 C10.

How do the prices compare?

As for the bolts, can't you just use flat washers?  :o

Title: Re: The Late Model mini-starter upgrade:
Post by: Shifty on July 05, 2021, 09:22:25 am

Also:

Lester p/n: 6449

Dorman bolts: 678-107

Been using them for a while with great success.

Title: Re: The Late Model mini-starter upgrade:
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on July 05, 2021, 09:49:28 am

Quote from: JohnnyPopper on July 04, 2021, 11:47:32 pm

Thanks Stewart!

I'm in the market for the '80 C10.

How do the prices compare?

As for the bolts, can't you just use flat washers?  :o

i suppose you could experiment with washers, but the knurl area might be different---needs to be in just the right spot.   The bolts themselves seem to be the same diameter----this is just going off my micrometer.    The thread size and pitch are the same between both types of bolts.

But the bolts are cheap---like $1.   Plus, you have the dorman option as Shifty pointed out.  Or the salvage yard.  So,.......

Title: Re: The Late Model mini-starter upgrade:
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on July 05, 2021, 11:01:26 am

The starter itself i got for $145 at the local Delcoline store.

i think this starter may be produced  in the same factory in China and they just put different stickers on depending on which brand it's going to be?

Because:   i noticed that different brands have what looks to be like the identical starter?

Proform # 66268   This was $161 at Advance Auto

Jeg's #10016   $131

Now, the Powermaster 9200, which also looks identical, says Made in USA.   So maybe Powermaster originally designed this style of  starter and they licenced in out?   
This is $160 at summit,   Free shipping it says?

The internals and specs for the powermaster seem different from the rest.  Like 4.40:1 gear reduction vs. 3.75:1 for the others.  Although summit says 5.50:1 ?

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pwm-9200#overview