DB Electrical Mini Starter Install

[54blackhornet]

Yesterday I installed a high torque mini starter in my 71 GMC. I removed the original style Delco, boy what a job ! DB Electrical offers this staggered mount one #6409 for $48.60 delivered to your door. Install was much easier then I expected with no shimming needed. The first turn of the key and she fired right up..... the prices of mint starters are all over the place from over $300.00 to less then $50.00. These folks know their stuff and can supply just about anything you might need...good folks.

[yuccales]

Just checked out their site. Good price and one year warranty with free shipping, can't go wrong! Thanks for posting.

[57larry]

where are they located? thanks, Larry

[special-K]

Do you have full-length headers by chance? I'm wondering how the fit would be with the offset. I ask because I just bought a new OEM '96 Vette (LT4) one for my '72 K2500 with full-length headers, hoping to solve my hot starter merry go round. Never had an issue with headers until this truck. It might be that my battery is bad this time. We'll see, but I may get my money back and order ne of these tomorrow,if it can get here by Friday.

[54blackhornet]

I highly recommend DB Electrical after doing a lot of research on high torque starters. All I know is unless you are doing a stock restoration I would never go back to original style GM starter. Almost started crying just imagineing how I was going to remove it with the transmission cooler lines hanging below it. Can’t comment on headers , I have rams horn. Bottom line is , super simple to install, comes with proper length bolts needed, can’t use original ones ! No shims needed on mine but they do include them. Works well with points or HEI..I found DB on line by searching 305 350 454 mini starters

[greasemonkey]

This is interesting info. I have a CUCV that had the original 24V starting system but no starter. I almost bought one from DB, as they are the only "name brand" starter I could find, but the reviews on their products were so terrible (at least for the 6.2 starters) that I ended up converting to 12V and used a standard 6.2 starter. If I had seen anything positive on their starters I may have given them a chance after all.

[hjewell2]

I have used their mini starters gm style for 92 and up, they are a good product, if not using on a high compression. And the lawn tractor starters are the greatest and cheapest.

[special-K]

I paid for a limited lifetime (1 free replacement) LS4 rebuild unit at Advanced on Sat to be picked up yesterday...and haven't been by yet. If they can get me one here by Friday I'll get my payment refunded and give them a try. I'll call today. I could use some savings, that's for sure. One year warranty means I get about 6 months, but I do start it a few times over the winter and by now normally would have been driving some. Also have a great shop for rebuilds anyway. I'm glad I saw this thread... Thanks

EDIT: Ordered one! Said it would be here Wed... $48.70 total cost. I believe that's about what I paid Advance just for core charge on the rebuilt LT4

[RustyBucket]

I've had their little starters on both my GMC(2yrs) and the Blazer a little longer. Both work (knock on wood) GREAT, sound good, turn good. No shims used, just bolted them on. I've bought several starters from them for a hot rod B&S Vanguard in an EZGO golf cart. Strips the nylon pinion gear, not the starter's fault. Talked to them about it and they sent me another one .... nice people in TN.

[roboticjunky]

I have 2 DB mini starters. One has been on my C10 for 2 years and another on my Bonneville for 4 years. Both have long tube Hedman headers and the mini starter is so easy to change.

[special-K]

Originally Posted by hjewell2

I have used their mini starters gm style for 92 and up, they are a good product, if not using on a high compression. And the lawn tractor starters are the greatest and cheapest.

I'm expecting the one I ordered to be better than original for hi-compression since t's a hi-tq unit. Have you had a negative experience on a hi-compression motor? Mine's not super high @ 10.5:1, but higher than stock

[54blackhornet]

I spoke to a couple Chevelle guys using this starter on high compression big blocks !

[russgoodman]

I used a DB electric mini starter on my turbo Regal. So far so good! Just a tad smaller and lighter 😁.

[special-K]

Originally Posted by 54blackhornet

I spoke to a couple Chevelle guys using this starter on high compression big blocks !

With good results, right? I was addressing Hewell's comment on unless it's high compression. Wondering what that is based on.

The guy at DB said it would be here today, which would have been amazing. But it didn't show. I hope it does come tomorrow. I asked if it would get to me by Friday because I have to run the truck all weekend, a very full schedule. I returned the starter I already had in my hands because he assured me I'd have it that quick

[Fbks_Cruiser]

Hey Tim,,
Can you give us some feed back after you install the starter? I too have a k2500 with headers. Would love to get your thoughts/impressions.

[54blackhornet]

Yes they had good success with high compression engines. Didn’t ask about heat soak issues or header clearances, sorry! Solenoid covers help as do header wrap

[special-K]

Originally Posted by Fbks_Cruiser

Hey Tim,,
Can you give us some feed back after you install the starter? I too have a k2500 with headers. Would love to get your thoughts/impressions.

I sure will. Send me a PM so I have that, in case this thread gets way from us.

Originally Posted by 54blackhornet

Yes they had good success with high compression engines. Didn’t ask about heat soak issues or header clearances, sorry! Solenoid covers help as do header wrap

My whole point in using this type of starter is to prevent heat soak by allowing way more air space. I don't want any extra shield to deal with or header wrap. Hardly any clearance is what causes heat soak from headers. I have like 1/4". That's why there is no issue with manifolds and pipes or some headers... room. The guy at DB said the starter I got is what they sell to guys with headers

[hjewell2]

Originally Posted by special-K

I'm expecting the one I ordered to be better than original for hi-compression since t's a hi-tq unit. Have you had a negative experience on a hi-compression motor? Mine's not super high @ 10.5:1, but higher than stock

yes running a 70 LT1 SBC 350 11-1/2 to 1. the pinion gears inside are nylon and do not like high comp, I went through two of them, went to powermaster and never looked back. now my stock 8-1/2 SBC on my Malibu never a wimper.

[special-K]

Gotcha. That's what we're looking for here, honest reviews. I'll see how it holds up with my 10.5:1 350. I stock rebuilt unit spins it nice and fast when fresh

[72Cheyenne454]

I've purchased three of these DB starters.

I have one on my stock 454 in my 72 GMC. I was so impressed, I then purchased two for my dad. One went on his ZZ4 small block (10:1 comp ratio) in his 51 Ford pick up with Camaro long tube headers and the other is on his Vortec 350 in his 70 K10, which also has long tube headers. We've had all three several years now with zero issues.

Miles

[72Cheyenne454]

I should add that all three sound great and crank over super easy, without any strain and we've never had any issue with heat soak.