Mopar high torque starter electrical connection clearance issues. Is there a brand of these that is better?

[Chad Hilburn]

Hey you guys, this is something that I run into every now and then. With 383 and 440. Sometimes you get a high torque starter, and there's no clearance issues, and then there's other times where the electrical dog leg connector hitting right up against the block. I don't understand what the difference is. Is it some differences in blocks, or is it differences in the starter? I'm assuming starter. Any of you guys know which brand of these high torque starters has a better clearance situation in regards to the electrical hookups?

 

[Bird 426]

I have 3 Denzo's. No problem on my SB. On my Hemi, I wanted to relocate the cable/wire, I had a problem with this relocation adaptor. You can see where I tried to grind the plastic back, but I ran out of plastic. They also have another that the studs are off of the front. No picture of that one, it's on the car. Having said this, people have been claiming interference between the engine block and starter. Sorry, I do not know what year Dakota starters that they had interference with. The top hole on my starter is also larger than needed. The nose centers it, so not a big deal. I did make a reducer bushing, but not needed.
I'm guessing you may be right, the starter may be the culprit. As these Denso starters were already on two of my cars, I do not know the year that they were acquired for.

 

[pnora]

Lots of the time that adapter is not needed. Just wire direct.

 

[Bird 426]

Was easier for me, that's why I used the adapter. It's just an option.

 

[Chad Hilburn]

Was easier for me, that's why I used the adapter. It's just an option.

Thank you! I did not know they offered a relocater that puts the connections to the back. I ordered one. Ill try that before i blow cash on a different starter motor. Thanks guys!

 

[Darter6]

I don't remember the years, but some big blocks have a cast boss on the block that needs to be ground down or off for more starter clearance.

 

[Bird 426]

^^^^^^^^ #6 is also true.

 

[4mulas]

You can unbolt the dog leg connector and just out your cables in the remaining terminals

 

[ckessel]

I'm using a Powermaster 9523 for my 65. On the 65, it has a 500" Indy low deck aluminum wedge which has a bit wider block. I tried a Dakota starter but that was a for sure no go. The 9523 is clockable with 4 positions. I tried all 4 and got the best all around on the 3rd spot I believe. It had the best starter to block clearance at that position. I did have to massage the header some for more room on the outside area between it and the starter.

 

[Frankb]

I have Dakota starter on 440 and 400 block. Wire direct to starter terminal and everything fits, however, on both engines I had to attach cables to starter before starter was installed on engine. No way to get to terminals with starter installed on car.

 

[ckessel]

On mine, I plan on doing a pigtail harness of sorts. No way to connect anything when it gets in the car with the headers on too.

 

[Frankb]

I thought about doing that same thing but was just easier to wire then install. for sure with the headers