Ford Mini Torque Starter

[cobralee]

I previously asked about your recommendations on a Ford starter for my 427 and got back great responses, i.e. PowerMaster, original Ford starters, etc.

I wanted to let you all know that I researched and found a guy located in Santa Ana, Calif. who sells remanufactured starters as well as alternators. I actually saw his starter on Ebay with convincing details and I paid him a visit and his shop (two huge warehouses) He sells only wholesale to parts houses, garages, etc and only has sold retail over Ebay, but he's more than willing to sell mailorder if he gets requests. Here's a little of what he had to say.

His starters are a modified Nippon Denso gear reduction racing mini-starter, manufactured in the USA. Their rated at 1.4 kilo watt, but is putting out close to 1.6kw. (2.0hp) He's purchased competitors mini starters and although advertised as new, they are remanufactured. He's not yet done a PowerMaster as yet.
He thoroughly tests all starts/alternators before leaving his shop.

One interesting fact which I didn't know, but you all may have is the wiring. He recommends a variation of the wiring from the fenderwall solenoid to the starter different from the norm that he states will give you alot more starting power. It has to do with having the battery cable and cable going to the starter using the same terminal on the fenderwell solenoid. I'll be happy to fax or provide details here if anyone likes.

Go to Ebay, look under item #83231601. Although its closed, you can read the detail. On Ebay, he gets from $118 to $150. His normal wholesale price is $125 and is what I paid. Once I put the starter on, I'll let you know how it works.

Company is called Hi-Test Rebuilders, Inc. Phone number is (800) 347-6999. Local is (714) 540-9600. His name is Terry and is the owner. Great guy, very informative. If you're in the area, he'll be glad to give you a tour as he did for me. It was very enlightening.

This is not an endorsement, yet, but Terry's the kind of guy you always want to run across when dealing with a sale of a product. Gives you alot of detailed information, seems honest, and is willing to show you what he does and how he does it.

Ron