Need clearence for longtubes on 440 w/727 trans anyone useing a Mini starter?

[NGC414]

I finally got my transmission back in the car tonight. I had to unbolt the engine and lift it back out at an angle to get the bellhousing to clear.

I go to put the starter back in and there is no where near enough clearence to squeeze it between the longtube header and the bell housing. I pulled all the header bolts and spark plugs hoping it would give me the room I needed with no luck.

If I re-pull the engine and trans I could lay it inside the header and then reinstall, (which I dont want to do at all). Actually.... I would rather sell the car than do that right now LOL.
I am thinking a mini starter may fit with some feness. So I guess I have a couple questions:
Is anyone running a mini starter and have you had any issues with them?
Does anyone running longtube headers have any tips or tricks to getting the starter in?

Thanks

[chargerbr549]

On my 69 Charger with big block and auto trans with hooker comp long tube headers and power steering i run the mini starter and the quick and easy way to remove and install the starter is to unbolt the steering column and pull it back and out of the way and the starter will come out without having to jack up the engine or loosening up the headers.

Kevin

[flyinlow]

I have the mini on my 440 /Hooker comps / 518 trans (basically 727) .

Mini issues...lighter,smaller,cranks faster, less current draw which makes a trunk mounted battery simpler.... miss the old Mopar starter sound though.

Have to unbolt the header to get it off.  Schumacher tri-y headers don't trap it according to there website.

[NGC414]

Thanks for the help, I just ordered a mini starter for it online. I will give it a try.

[flyinlow]

The mini comes with an extra removable braket on the electrical terminals that is not needed on Older cars. I removed mine.

[Rayzor]

I know with the hedman headers on my 440, you have to install them from below the car. Well when the drivers side is half way up is when you bolt the starter in and its a squeeze. I find that dislocating my shoulder and rubbing salt in my eyes is more fun but the starter will fit.