Just got a Powermaster 9510 today and was wondering if I may need to do any shimming - the OEM starter is currently using only one, and I don't think it's even necessary as it always has engaged fine...I was surprised the 9510 weighs only about 25% as much as the OEM one...

You should install it and pull out the pinion gear to check the pinion gear to flywheel tooth clearance. Shim as necessary to get about 0.040-0.060" clearance.

I have a jegs unit. been working great for over 5 years on my 455

I've had my RobbMc on 2 .030 455's I really like the clocking options and they have great customer service. I also bought their Power surge for issues with my Qjet running out of fuel.

IMI, flawless for me and I like that the lugs are opposite the exhaust manifold.

The Power Surge is a pretty interesting piece.
A 400$ easy bolt on deal that can support a 1000 HP carburetor ed engine on a 1/4 mile pass with a dead stock fuel system.
Quiet, pump is submerged in gas.

I think I posted this somewhere else, so forgive me if it's a repeat; however I am wondering with my set-up if I will need to bother with any shims changing to a 9510 - the OEM one did not...

This^^^^

Only way to know whether you need to shim it is to install and take a look at how it measures up to your flywheel/flexplate.

When I installed the 9510XS in my '66, I had to use one of the supplied shims to move it farther away from the flexplate (i.e., toward front of vehicle). Out of the box, the bendix gear was sticking out a hair too far and was just barely contacting my flexplate when retracted. Took 15min to shim and reinstall - problem solved.

It's going to vary depending on your setup.

My instructions that came with my old Summit starter said to use a 1/8" drill bit or welding rod and shim it until the "crotch" of the contact is 1/8"
I have never had any luck with those stock type shims. The last 2 engines I have done have a 1/2" flat washer under the outside bolt under the starter itself.
"tilted" it in.

How did the Power Surge work out for you? I have the RobbMc 550 hp pump and my next step to finish the system was going to be a 1/2" line and a baffled tank. Then I came across the Power Surge which I'm considering. One of my main reservations is being able to hide it.

I've used the Powermaster and summit versions of these mini starters, quite a few of both. Powermaster has excellent customer service, I sent them one that I kicked back and destroyed, they fixed it VERY reasonably and shipped it back quickly. They're my go to starter, I currently have three of them on various veeeeehickles.

FYI, Olds and Pontiac share starters. Just in case you didn't know already. Could come in handy when looking thru used parts ads.

I've had the RobbMc starter on my 67 for almost a decade. It's always been great for me.

I have a CSR mini starter in my 69 Bird. It’s been in service for over 10 years without any problems. Very nice quality starter that’s USA made. Spins the 428 effortlessly.

It works great I used a Ford G switch to shut it off incase of an accident. I only had one problem and that was some varnish got into the small jet into the aluminum container after a winter season. Stabil will help that.

I’ve had an IMI in the bird since 2011 and it works great - it’s clock-able to make install a breeze.

Have a Powermaster #9610 waiting to be installed on my 400. It's my "first" mini-starter, so hopefully I'll be a mini-starter fan in the near future.

ok, I'm installing the new 9510, and see my flywheel cover opening is not fully covered with the small starter - how did you guys solve that issue?

Funny you should mention that. I had the same issue and had forgotten all about it. Simple solution really. You could give it the crescent if you wanted. Just tack welded it in. Could JB it..https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...1b7ed8debb.jpg

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Yep, I agree powermaster is the ducks guts , 45ooo miles and 15 years I'm into 3rd unit , IIRC I got it cheapest though Amazon.
Nothing lasts for a long time any more.

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