I'm in Starter HELL!

[Bicylindrico]

FWIW here is my experience with my 440. Engine came with the fancy adjustable Powermaster like you show in the second pic. It does not have a nose cone that locks into the bell housing. This allowed the starter to flex and grind it's teeth on my ring gear requiring me to purchase a new flywheel for my 4 speed. I then purchased a new flywheel and the black powermaster starter which has had no problems starting my 10.5:1 440 and clears headers etc.

 

[rww124]

I have a 9513 on my 440. Use a stud. The clockable aspect is great with the headers.

Would a 9523 Powermaster work as well? I haven't seen a stud on a 440 bellhousing to mount a starter or is there a kit you can buy that has the stud on it.

 

[Don Frelier]

OK, to start with my car is a 1968 Road Runner with a 383 four speed.
I have ordered 3 different light weight starters and here's how it went:
Starter #1 from some internet company was drop shipped to me with a bad motor.
Starter #2 from Summit P/N 820337 would not work because Batt cable terminal was waay too close to the engine block. See pic below.
View attachment 662700
Returned it to Summit and they said to use the Powermaster 9513 which is adjustable.
Ok, I got the PWS 9513 and when I went to install it, guess what, the friggin mounting hole is blocked. You can't get the mounting bolt can't through! Check this out:
View attachment 662702

SO, here's my question, does anyone make a lightweight starter that will actually FIT and work on stock 383 engine? I'm sure some of you guys have been through this process. I could sure use your advice about now. Thanks, RRDon (frustrated)

I use a stud for the upper mounting.
Easier to install probably nothing wrong with that starter.

 

[cosgig]

There’s a connection relocation adapter available for the Dakota starter. I just put mine on as is, and I have 3 extra mini starters, just because they were available. And, the magnetic induction starters almost never break down or wear out, unlike the old style starters!

 

[70bigblockdodge]

The mini starters need a considerable cutting, @Scatpack, with a 130 tooth flywheel 10.5" clutch on a big block. Never had a issue with 143 tooth 11" flywheel and or automatic.
Studs for starter, fishing bolts in there, holding the starter, and going into aluminum is a PITA.

 

[moparmarks]

I can't begin to count all of the motors that I've used 95 Dakota 5.2 starters on over the years. I put them on everything from 528 Hemi with 130t wheel to my 5.9 with a 130t wheel. Have them on 360 and 440's with 727's. The one on my 72 Satellite 440/727 has been on there for around 15 years and I drive the crap out of it. Just used one on my friends 70 Bee 512/833 130T.
Just have to make the factory battery cables reach. The only bellhousing mod I've had to do is with the Lakewood and Quick Time bellhousings. Those don't have the locating pocket for the nose of the starter. I use a sleeve on the upper bolt to locate the starter correctly. Never a problem with the factory bells.
I've never understood why anyone would shell out big bucks for a Powermaster or such when a 75.00 AutoZone or NAPA works great.

 

[Moparfiend]

“Im in starter hell”. …….. .. .. . Probably due to all that masterbation in HS. Karma’s a bitch lol