why is everyone getting mini starters? whats wrong w/ stock replacements? My buddy got one, and its a mini, and his car doesnt start after it's been running for a while cuz it's so hot, he had to wrap his headers and put a sheild around it, and still sometimes it doesn't work - it's beat lol my stock starter never gave me problems w/ my mac shortys - but maybe cuz his motor is a 347 stroker, it runs hotter or somethin -
I've asked myself the same question... My Motorcraft starter was near 20 years old when I pulled it and I replaced it with another one just like like it. I may end up having to go with a mini if I ever get longtubes but until then.... the big old clunker seems to be pretty reliable.
It's not the starter that is the problem. It's the starter soleinoid that causes the hot starting problems that most people face with a pair of Long Tube headers. As the soleinoid becomes heat soaked, the wires build up too much resistance which then won't allow any current to pass from the battery to the starter motor. Thus a problem with hot starts.
Most people switch to a mini becuase that smaller package puts a greater distance between the header tubes (long tubes) and the soleinoid. This extra distance allows the ambient air to act as insulation between the starter, thus eliminating the hot start problems. (in most cases)