Min Starters not all created equal

[SDJunkMan]

Wouldn't a relay speed up a normal old school starter, or are mini starters the new fad? I've had great starting success with the OEM starters, a tap of the key and vroom. I'll stay away from minis and stick with OEM.

I'm pretty sure that the mini gear starters are OEM on the newer GMs (90s?). There are also aftermarket versions out there.

 

[DoubleDingo]

I'm pretty sure that the mini gear starters are OEM on the newer GMs (90s?). There are also aftermarket versions out there.

Thanks for clarifying. I thought it was just a fad. I've never had the liberty of working on newer GM products. The most modern GM I have ever worked on is my '81 and even that is too new for my liking.

 

[Salty Crusty]

Keep in mind that the later model mini starters have ceramic magnets in them. I'm sure some of you here have had the old 100lbs starter crap out on you when they get worn and won't even turn over. A couple of whacks with a hammer usually broke it loose and it would work fine for a while. Whack one of these pretty good with a hammer and you'll be replacing it - the ceramic stuff just can't take it.
I'm just glad I don't have to try to hold the old monster up while I'm trying to thread a bolt, that was an exercise in fitness!

 

[Salty Crusty]

Back in the day...Dad had a late 60's Ford that ate starters like Cheerios.
Dad swore up and down that when they started building a Ford truck, they suspended a started from the ceiling by a piece of wire and built the whole truck around it. It was a royal pain to change and I swapped my share of 'em in parking lots and driveways, wherever the damned thing stopped and wouldn't restart.

 

[Snoots]

Well, this has been fun . . . The 'old stock faithful' finally gave up (some time ago I might add) after 20 odd years, so I got one of those stock 'mini' starters. It lasted a few years. A few. Maybe 4.
Then I thought why not try one of them thair new fangled permanent magnet starters? So the voyage continues.
It does sound quite different but quieter too. Since I had the old one around in the junk pile I took them all to the scales.
Here are the results: the top one is 18.5 pounds (without the solenoid), the mini is 13.5 pounds and the PM one is 8.6 pounds.

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[78C10BigTen]

Well, this has been fun . . . The 'old stock faithful' finally gave up (some time ago I might add) after 20 odd years, so I got one of those stock 'mini' starters. It lasted a few years. A few. Maybe 4.
Then I thought why not try one of them thair new fangled permanent magnet starters? So the voyage continues.
It does sound quite different but quieter too. Since I had the old one around in the junk pile I took them all to the scales.
Here are the results: the top one is 18.5 pounds (without the solenoid), the mini is 13.5 pounds and the PM one is 8.6 pounds.

You must be registered for see images attach

Whats the starting speed difference between the 3?? Ive got the boat anchor currently but also have a stock mini starter off a late 90s blazer to put on it. Im curious to know if theres a cranking speed difference.

 

[Snoots]

Whats the starting speed difference between the 3?? Ive got the boat anchor currently but also have a stock mini starter off a late 90s blazer to put on it. Im curious to know if theres a cranking speed difference.

I honestly can't say about starting speed. But by my ear, I'd say that the PM starter is a little faster overall.
No other changes were or have been made to the motor. It still starts as well as ever.

There seems to be less strain on the PM style. On both the mini and PM starter I'm using 2AWG welding cable. The original starter had the factory wire.

 

[78C10BigTen]

I honestly can't say about starting speed. But by my ear, I'd say that the PM starter is a little faster overall.
No other changes were or have been made to the motor. It still starts as well as ever.

There seems to be less strain on the PM style. On both the mini and PM starter I'm using 2AWG welding cable. The original starter had the factory wire.

Good thought! I never thought of switching wire gauge. Maybe i will when i put on the factory mini