what starter did you guys use? A buddy of mine has a HSR 406 and hooker long tubes. He used a CSI mini-starter with adapter plate for a 400 sbc and it is REALLY close to the #8 primary tube (like an 1/8 inch). Is there a starter that would clear better? Would a LT-1 6-speed starter for a 350 work on a 400?

What are you guys running for a starter?

 

I'm running a PowerMaster, but then again, I'm running a 454....

You should really just invest the money and buy a CSI mini-starter.... my buddy runs one on his Chevy 406. He's never had issues with heat-soak, and he's been running her daily since last summer...

 

has only parallel bolt holes.. you will need to have the block drilled for them.

 

I'm running a CSI part # CSI100P. Works fine for me.

 

He is using the CSI mini-starter.

So, what you're saying is that he can use a regular 350ci SBC starter if he had the 400 block drilled for it?

 

YES!!

 

I'm using a ac-delco starter. Had expensive starter from Jegs and had to send it back because it ate up my flywheel. I installed it correctly with the shims and without, still grinded. I don't have heat soak problems with delco...well it will start a little slower than usual if you drive it for a while. But as soon as I went and bought the delco and slapped it on with the shims it started right up with no grinding.

 

lol, well, since the block is already in and its just about ready to go, drilling my block for a standard starter is out of the question. If the CSI craps out, I'll see if a stock starter will fit on the CSI adapter plate.

 

I have the Tommy Johnson mini-starter for the 400 (staggered bolt) and it works great...cost me $100 when I bought it a few years ago...

Link: http://www.tommyjohnsonjr.com/bs/

 

Ok, but what headers are your running with the Tommy Johnson?

 

Hedman 1 5/8" shorty with a 3" collector...the collector is close to the starter...but the ministarter (or any ministarter) is small enough that it clears headers...I don't think the brand really matters there.

 

Well, the hooker longtubes are VERY close to his starter body (like a 1/16 in.) This is becuase he had to use the 400 SBC adapter plate. If he had his block drilled, this would not be an issue, but right now it is. I guess we'll see how long his CSI takes the heat before we try something different.

 

I have the Tommy Johnson starter purchased @ Chevy Vette Fest swap meet from a private vender. It is a mini version of the stocker. Stagger mount which is what 400's require.

 

I run a Powermaster XL model 9502 starter as of two days ago. I burnt the first mini starter up (heat soak)....

I don't know what a CSI starter is, but I posted a thread in the electronics board asking what a good brand of starter that resists heat soak, and got no responses - so I assume there all pretty much the same.

This one is quiet and seems nice. I'll most likely get a heat shield too, just in case.

Oh BTW - the vast majority of 400's don't require any "stagger" hole patterns. They had three holes drilled. Mine did.

But they sell starters to fit in case it did have the staggered pattern...(or only 2 holes drilled)

 

i use the stock chevy mini starters that came on the mid/late 90's chevy trucks before they went to the new style small blocks.