EPIC! battle in the garage, mini starter and Hooker Comp. headers vs. 440

[GrandpaKevin]

This was my first experience installing a mini starter. 
Bought this mini starter to use with a 440 and automatic transmission using Hooker Comp. 1 7/8" headers.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Starter-Mopar-Charger-Cuda-Hemi-440-Mini-Hi-Torque-/362002790967

Installed engine, trans. and headers, I anticipated a few issues so I left everything loose but there was NO way the mini starter was going in without jacking up the engine and dropping the headers.
I ended up removing the starter's wiring adaptor and connected the starter wires before bolting the starter to the block.
There seems to be decent header clearance once the starter was in but the starter better work as I don't want to take it back out anytime soon.


Anyone else done battle installing a mini starter with Hooker Comp. headers?
Any suggestions?

I've never had issues like this with 4 speeds and regular starters, even using the bigger 11" bell housings.
The auto trans. seems to have a bigger bulge right where the starter bolts to compared to a 4 speed bell housing. Of course that bulge is right in the way....

[Cuda Cody]

Being a stock kinda guy I've always used factory manifolds and I sometimes struggle to get the starters in and out.  I can only image how much harder it must be with larger exhaust tubes.   

[HP_Cuda]

The only issue I had was the starter connector (copper posts)which was hitting my block. Once I removed it the Hedman Headers weren't a problem at all. I can take the mini starter in and out without playing with the headers. Must be a bit different on the Comp headers.

[Cudamike]

I have been there not fun.

[Chryco Psycho]

Yup Been there too often , no fun !!
Not sure what advice I can help with

[GrandpaKevin]

If I had to do it again I'm sure I could do it quicker and with less bloodshed.

Now that the starter is installed and the header back on the ship is in the bottle. 
I'm thinking of unbolting the starter from the block to check the nuts on the wiring connection as the starter bolts are fairly accessible.
For those of you who are using a mini starter are you using the wiring extender?
I took it off to get more clearance during the install but it looks like it would fit back on.

Thanks.

[usraptor]

If I had to do it again I'm sure I could do it quicker and with less bloodshed.

Now that the starter is installed and the header back on the ship is in the bottle. 
I'm thinking of unbolting the starter from the block to check the nuts on the wiring connection as the starter bolts are fairly accessible.
For those of you who are using a mini starter are you using the wiring extender?
I took it off to get more clearance during the install but it looks like it would fit back on.

Thanks.

I used a mini starter with my TTI 1" 7/8 headers and 4-speed.  However, I installed the mini-starter before the headers.  Not sure how much difference the auto makes, but I didn't have to run any wiring extender with the mini-starter and headers.

[Chryco Psycho]

The extender will fit with a small block but no way on the big block

[Bluemonster71RT]

I have the super comps on my 383. I swear that I read on hookers web page or a magazine that the mini started would not work with them. Or that it wouldnt work with the Lakewood bell and those headers. Ill be watching how this pans our for you for sure though as my trans is out and if it works for you I may do the same.

[GrandpaKevin]

I have the super comps on my 383. I swear that I read on hookers web page or a magazine that the mini started would not work with them. Or that it wouldnt work with the Lakewood bell and those headers. Ill be watching how this pans our for you for sure though as my trans is out and if it works for you I may do the same.

I'm not sure if the narrower 383 B engine would be better or worse for header/starter clearance.

I've read some big block Lakewood users have header clearance issues and some don't.
If possible I would test fit the starter and headers.

Working with automatic transmissions is new to me, like mentioned before I seemed to have much better header/starter access with my 4 speed cars.

For me the mini starter has plenty of clearance now that it is installed, it was the installation sequence that got me.
I should not have had the engine/trans installed and the headers loosely installed on the studs before trying to install the mini starter.
Getting the starter in position before would have saved me from having to pull the headers off the studs and lowering them out of the way which is very difficult when the engine is in the car.
I should have slipped the mini starter in during the engine/header install or possible loosely bolted the mini starter to the trans while installing it.

I also should have attached the positive starter cable end to the mini starter before final installation while the nuts were still accessible.

Good luck.