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  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
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Mini starter conversion.

  • Thread starter Thread starter 6Stang7
  • Start date Start date Aug 16, 2009

6Stang7

New Member
Jun 1, 2003
1,470
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0
Livermore, CA
Aug 16, 2009
#1
  • Aug 16, 2009
  • #1
I've been doing some research on swapping out the out 4.5 in starter for the mini starter, but I haven't found anything that provides the specifics I am looking for.

I was looking at buying this starter:Mini Starter

First and foremost, will any starter made for a 82-91 Mustang work? I heard that these have a different tooth count and spin in the opposite direction.

Secondly, from the research I have done, it appears that the mini starter needs to be wired up differently then the old one. It sounds like if the current wiring set up is used then there will be induction issues that will cause the starter the run for 2-3 seconds after the ignition switch is rolled back to the run position. If this is the case, does anyone have a wiring diagram?
 

Tim65GT

Active Member
Feb 24, 2004
1,149
2
39
West Texas
Aug 16, 2009
#2
  • Aug 16, 2009
  • #2
That is the same starter I have. If you look at the vehicles on that ebay listing, it should be fairly accurate for donor vehicles at a salvage yard.

Here are a couple threads on wiring Mini Starters:

Starter solenoid problem - Mustang Forums at StangNet

MINI STARTER WIRING??? - Mustang Forums at StangNet

Here is a diagram before (with a standard starter) and after with a ministarter:




Here is how I did mine. I replaced the fender mounted solenoid with a standard Bosch type relay mounted (behind the firewall).

 

6Stang7

New Member
Jun 1, 2003
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Livermore, CA
Aug 17, 2009
#3
  • Aug 17, 2009
  • #3
Wow, that is exactly what I was looking for.

Is there any advantage replacing the fender relay with the Bosch one, or did you just want to more it out of the engine bay?
 

Tim65GT

Active Member
Feb 24, 2004
1,149
2
39
West Texas
Aug 17, 2009
#4
  • Aug 17, 2009
  • #4
When I swapped in my mini starter, I already had moved my battery and solenoid to the trunk. I was just removing the big unnecessary solenoid. The downside to going with the smaller Bosch type relay is that you now need some place to tie in the all the accessory battery distribution.
 

Tubo(2-bo)

Member
Mar 25, 2004
279
0
16
Ft Walton Beach FL.
Aug 17, 2009
#5
  • Aug 17, 2009
  • #5
The fox body fender mounted solenoid has a diode in it to prevent the starter from "hanging". I copied Ford & replaced my fender mount solenoid with a Fox body type.
 

6Stang7

New Member
Jun 1, 2003
1,470
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0
Livermore, CA
Aug 18, 2009
#6
  • Aug 18, 2009
  • #6
Good point. I can always add in a dissipation circuit if there is an induction problem.
 
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