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-   -   Mini starter 66 GTO (https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=885853)

1950Mercury 06-15-2026 12:53 AM

Mini starter 66 GTO
 
I’m in the process off installing ram air manifolds on 66 GTO. Waiting to get them back from ceramic coating now. I am considering putting on a mini starter. Is this a wise idea? And if so which one is recommended and are they needing to be clocked and if so which way. Thanks

tom s 06-15-2026 11:40 AM

I use the IMI,made in Whittier CA.Not sure how close the clock is when you buy them.EZ to reclock.Tom

73ta 06-15-2026 12:37 PM

IMI from Whitier also. Great starter and great service from them also on refurbishment of my 20+ year old unit to back to brand new.

tooski 06-15-2026 12:50 PM

I have a couple from RobbMc. Also easily reclocked.

grivera 06-15-2026 01:42 PM

I have a Powermaster Mastertorque on my 66 with Doug's headers and it fits great. Once you attempt install on a clock-able starter, will be pretty evident which way you have to rotate it to rotate for best position. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/PWM-9610

carcrazy 06-15-2026 02:50 PM

RobbMc! Easily clocked.

1950Mercury 06-15-2026 03:20 PM

mini starter
 
How do you folks feel about the powermaster 9510XS?

tempest1964 06-15-2026 03:57 PM

My builder installed the 9510XS on my recent build. It has been flawless so far. It was easy to clock. Long term, I can’t say yet. I do know it only comes with a 1 year warranty from date of purchase. I guess I deferred to my builder on this. He told me it’s all he uses and said they are very reliable. Builders name is Randy Repp. Owns Pontiac Speed Shop in Brownsburg, just outside of Indianapolis. Good luck

65 Lamnas 06-15-2026 11:39 PM

I’ve had a couple RobbMc with the pinion support. Great starter and customer support.

1950Mercury 06-15-2026 11:40 PM

Mini starter
 
Which mini start is usually bolt on and go without shipping?

HWYSTR455 06-16-2026 10:06 AM

1 Attachment(s)
I've got Summit mini starters on 2 Pontiac and one Olds engine and they do fine.

With that said, the PowerMaster 9510/9610 starters are roughly the same price.

Nice thing about the PowerMaster starters is that they are basically infinitely clockable. That's a big bonus.


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i82much 06-16-2026 11:20 AM

happy with my powermaster, had good support for them with starter and alternator as well.

Joe-Touring 06-16-2026 11:22 AM

Highly recommend a mini starter. The weight savings and ease of installation are huge positives. I had heat soak issues with my factory stater. Cranks fast and easy now.

I went with a Powermaster 9510, no issues. I am a bit skeptical of the infinite clocking setup, not as simple/robust as the fixed holes of other designs, but I repeat, no issues in years of use.

1950Mercury 06-16-2026 08:44 PM

Mini starter probably powermaster
 
Are folks needing to shim starters less wine cars have manual transmissions?

HWYSTR455 06-17-2026 07:09 AM

I haven't noticed that, and have both auto & manual cars.

The block pad/starter pad/ring gear relationship is where the adjustments (shims) occur, so technically, it's relevant to each one of those items used together where the variables are.



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73ta 06-17-2026 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1950Mercury (Post 6620333)
Are folks needing to shim starters less wine cars have manual transmissions?

No shims on my manual car with aftermarket flywheel and starter.

tempest1964 06-17-2026 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 73ta (Post 6620433)
No shims on my manual car with aftermarket flywheel and starter.

Same here

HWYSTR455 06-17-2026 07:27 PM

Maybe the manual flywheels are more stable and true than the flexplates, or, you just got lucky...

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tempest1964 06-17-2026 11:16 PM

I always say I’d rather be lucky than good. I can work on my good but my luck I’m kinda stuck with. ;)

jerry455 06-18-2026 10:30 PM

I have a Proform starter on my 455 in a 1976 Firebird with Tri Y headers and it works great.

1950Mercury 06-19-2026 02:52 PM

Mini starter
 
Ended up going with power master. Summit just delivered this morning.


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