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

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

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.

I have a couple from RobbMc. Also easily reclocked.

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

RobbMc! Easily clocked.

mini starter
 

How do you folks feel about the powermaster 9510XS?

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

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

Mini starter
 

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

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

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.

Mini starter probably powermaster
 

Are folks needing to shim starters less wine cars have manual transmissions?

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

Same here

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

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

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