Mini starters, anything I should know?

[b5blue]

  I just ordered a new mini starter from D B Electric after searching here that they are a good company. 20 years I've always just used the standard starter but mine is pushing 15 years old now and seems to be slowing down.
  Anything to watch out for or change around for this type of starter? (I've HP manifolds w normal exhaust.)

[Musicman]

Most mini-starters have a black plastic adapter (terminal extension) covering the original terminals lugs on the starter. This adapter should be removed before installation (it comes right off) or you can/will have clearance issues.

[A383Wing]

you will still have tight clearance issues without that adapter....it's a tight fit for the battery cable, maybe 1/8" gap from cable lug to block clearance when installed...and you might have to get a longer one if you can't re-route it enough

other than that, it's a straight bolt in swap....I also have HP manifolds and stock head pipes

[b5blue]

Thanks guys!
  I read here that some remove the adapter then actually cut the stud down as low as possible? I'm prepared to do that. Think the new starter cable I just put on the car will work if I reroute it some? I ordered off a DB E. eBay listing for a "440 mini starter" if that matters. I also ordered Rick E's shield plate for the mini. 

[A383Wing]

I didn't order the shield plate...everything went right in and fit like stock starter

I didn't have to cut the stud either....my starter on the car is from a 94 Dakota....not any of the real expensive ones out there

[Musicman]

....my starter on the car is from a 94 Dakota....not any of the real expensive ones out there

A very popular option 

[b5blue]

It was 72.00 shipped.( New not rebuilt. ) Cover plate 27.00 shipped. I'm fussy about keeping things closed up down there. We get big downpours and streets can fill with water that's full of crap.

[A383Wing]

my mini starter fit just fine at the trans shield...no open gaps or cutting needed

[myk]

Alright for those of us not paying attention, the '94 Dakota starter fits right in, however the DB starter will require minor modifications?

[Bob]

....my starter on the car is from a 94 Dakota....not any of the real expensive ones out there

A very popular option 

Same here! Cheaper also.

[xoman60]

Lucky you. I had to get longer battery cables.

[oldcarnut]

.  Repeat

[oldcarnut]

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/carquest-or-toughone-starter-remanufactured-17466s/3082393-P?searchTerm=starter  $70 rebuilt plus $21 core
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mopar-Charger-Cuda-Hemi-440-NEW-Mini-Hi-Torque-Starter-/360477279074?hash=item53ee1ec362&vxp=mtr  $63 new to the door

What makes the DB a "racing" starter?  I was thinking they're both the same

[Dino]

Alright for those of us not paying attention, the '94 Dakota starter fits right in, however the DB starter will require minor modifications?

I thought it was the other way round??  So no shield needed with the Dakota starter but needed with the DB?  The DB is $63 shipped by the way.  I need a mini as well.  My stock starter turns at about 200 rpm these days.

[oldcarnut]

Checking the local yard it's $25 for the unknown condition used and you pull it or a little over twice to the door for a new so I'm probably gonna order the DB today but I can't grasp what the shield or cover plate referring too.  Is it the trans flywheel cover?  If it is then I can fab another or modify an extra but is it a clearance or exposure issue?  I have quite a few stock starters now laying around I'll need to get rid of.  Wonder what they're worth to anyone?

Never mind got my answer http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mopar-383-440-Hemi-MP-Mini-Starter-Gasket-Shim-Big-Block-Cuda-Road-Runner-Dart-/221863013725?hash=item33a810ed5d&vxp=mtr

[A383Wing]

you don't need that....mine just bolted right in without any special plate

[oldcarnut]

Ordered it off EBay today.  Will take some pics of the install for interest

[Dino]

Ordered it off EBay today.  Will take some pics of the install for interest

Looking forward to it, I'll be ordering the DB myself.   

[b5blue]

Pics and coverage will be great! My stuff is sitting on a shelf waiting for the heat index to drop below 100+ around here. 

[oldcarnut]

My starter came in today.  Tried to put in and not so great a fit. More on that later  I bought this one http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemVersion&item=130587883098&view=all&tid=1132363770003
but got this one instead http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-STARTER-for-DODGE-VAN-DAKOTA-DURANGO-RAM-TRUCK-/360451471316?hash=item53ec94f7d4&vxp=mtr
Don't know what the difference is but I called their 800 number at of all times 4:40pm.  After being told I'm the next in line but on hold for 15mins the guy answers the phone and after telling him I didn't get the right starter he says he'll be right back with a return person and puts me on hold again.  After waiting until 5:20pm I'm getting a little pissed being repeatedly told I'm next recording so I hang up and call back again hoping to get an explanation of any differences only to find out they closed at 5:00    I left a message about their customer relations handling that wasn't so nice.  I'll see how they handle that and filed a return on ebay.

Now back to install. Thought I'd put in 2 7/16" studs to slide it in on instead of bolts.  Bolt holes in starter wouldn't line up too slip in without enlarging the bottom hole with a 7/16 drill and even then the bell housing nose hole wouldn't line up with starter nose. With studs removed it went in ok so I don't know if I'm gonna have to use smaller bolts or enlarge the starter hole more as I didn't want to drill out the starter until the return is resolved.  The connections will have to be removed and its still close. More later

[A383Wing]

the starter for the Dakota is the same one I put in my car....I used the one stud and one bolt just as the OE starter did.....I also had to take the terminal adapter off because it would hit the block.....mine went right in without any hassle or modifications

Bryan

[68CoronetRT]

I'm running the DB Electric Mini starter and there was no modification needed for install. Just take that black plastic spacer deal off and your good to go. If you have headers you will probably have to remove the drivers side. I put mine in with the engine as it went in the car.

[oldcarnut]

Got it installed and here's some pics for those wondering about clearances. The DB guy called this morn and said both were the same starter.  I reckon the racing starter add and sticker is just a gimmick  After installing the correct starter stud with the fine nut threaded end in the bottom hole in went in fine.  I used the cover plate because I had a couple on the shelf and it closed up any openings although they were minimal. I used the thin nut that mounted the plastic cover for the cable connection for clearance.  This was on a 440, HP manifolds, and stock pipes

[b5blue]

Sweet! Thanks so much!  Looks like I'll be good to go when I get under there soon, I've a shield for mine also.