MiniStarter

Hey guys, I was curious if anyone here is running a mini-starter on their SBC mated to a 700R4? I keep having failed starters and I'm guessing its a combination of the original flexplate (missing teeth) and the starter becoming heat soaked by my exhaust. Anyhow I'm about to put in a SCAT flexplate and powermaster starter but was curious how mini-starters interact with the dust covers of the 700R4. Thanks for any help,  I hope everyone is well and enjoying 2018!

Any of my vehicles that are 168 tooth flexplates have a starter from an older downsize blazer (It fits a bunch of other stuff also but this is what I always remember). The NAPA part number is 4N-5110. I like using this starter because the price is OK, parts stores usually stock it if I have a problem away from home, it is considerably smaller than the original starter and they usually have a good warranty on the NAPA starters. I have it on both big block and small block stuff and manifolds and long tube headers both clear well. If you want a picture of the fitment let me know.

I'm running a stock mini starter from a '98 tahoe 4wd on a 168 tooth manual flywheel and it seems to be just fine. I did find a stock heat shield for mine while rummaging through some parts off my buddy's van. It's just a little piece of sheet metal that clips over the solenoid, but it seems to help.

Awesome, thank you fellas for your thoughts. I just pulled the trigger on a clockable powermaster mini starter and a SCAT 168 tooth flexplate. Should have put a new one on when I installed the motor, I've changed the starter (lifetime warranty) at least 5 times in the last two years. This last time I found the armature had carved a nice little notch out of an area of the flexplate that was missing several teeth already.. Lesson learned though. : )

2 months and the powermaster starter is working great. It cranks right up, is the size of a burrito and is ridiculously low in weight. It also  works with both 153 and 168 tooth flywheels, I replaced my alternator with one of their 150 amp-side post alternators almost a year ago and am very happy with both products.