I have the original starter in my truck ...272... during a major restoration i had it rebuilt by a reputable local guy I have used before . It works great. Im sure if you look you can find some small shop that does high quality work at an affordable price  , plus you will still have the original part that has given great service for so many years .

Frank

As a heads up to anyone looking, Auto Elec. is SOLD OUT for a couple weeks.  Apparently they have had a large recent increase in demand for the Y.  Unfortunately for myself, I need to get the car running ASAP so I ordered a reman. unit from rock auto.  I will revisit the high torque unit another day. 

 - John

John: Lake Forest, IL



'57 Fairlane 500 - Looking better every day.

I am interested in the high torque starter mentioned in this string (http://www.autoelec.com/html/y_block_ford_gear_reduction_st.html) & opinions with those who have done the conversion. Price doesn't look too much different then what I see rebuilts going for with the T-Bird suppliers. But the photo looks like at's a two bolt & my impression is my 56 T-Bird 312 is a three bolt design.

Is it just a bolt on upgrade? Anything else needed? In the searches, I don't see too much on this topic other then an occasional recommendation.

Sounds like removing the original is painful however.

Brian - 56 T-Bird

Woodinville WA

It is a bolt on. It only uses 2 bolts. I've had one for at least 5 years now. Mine is a daily driver, even during winter, and it works great.


Lawrenceville, GA

Thanks Charlie, your experience with them sounds very positive. I spoke with them today & they are again sold out, but expect to have availability by next Tuesday. Jack says they can't keep 'em in stock.

Brian - 56 T-Bird

Woodinville WA

I emailed RobbMC Performance. http://www.robbmcperformance.com/ He makes mini-starters and is a regular on the FEForum. I asked about the possibility of a Y Block application. Here is his reply; I don't have the information handy so could someone else have it?



Thanks for writing Mark. We could make a starter nose for the Y block, but the problem is the gear. If memory serves, the Y block uses a 10 pitch ring gear like the early FE engines. I think it has 153 teeth? Our standard pinion gear is a 9 tooth gear, 1" OD. My guess is that the Y block starter has a different number of teeth and/or is larger in diameter.



Can you count the number of teeth on the Y block starter and measure the outside diameter?




57 Black Tbird 312/auto

I don't know why guys want the "High torque mini starters" when the factory units work fine.  Have yours rebuilt by a good shop and be done with it.  Part of the Y appeal, at least to me, is the wonderful sound the starter makes while cranking.  Doesn't sound like any Jap car.

   God Bless.   Tim                           http://yblockguy.com/

350ci Y-Block FED "Elwood", 301ci Y-Block Unibody LSR "Jake", 312ci Y-Block '58 F-100, 338ci Y-Block powered Model A Tudor

tim@yblockguy.com  Visalia, California    Just west of the Sequoias

Tim, Couple of reasons, one is old age. Much easier to hold up and install at my uh...advanced years. Second is I absolutely hate the backwards Bendix on the original, I know that sounds like a personal issue. They actually are lighter and use a lower current draw than the originals. Like Charlie said, they work well and last.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

My luck with factory units has not been the same. I've had 2 generators, and 2 starters rebuilt for the truck. Not one lasted more than a year after rebuild. All came from different places, local and mail order. I don't know what it is, maybe parts aren't available, or the know-how is long gone, to be able to rebuild them properly. I got tired of spending money on rebuilds that don't last. The sound is different, but it's nice to not have to worry about whether or not it will start.



And even for us young'uns, it's much more pleasant to install.


Lawrenceville, GA

from mctim64>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>



Part of the Y appeal, at least to me, is the wonderful sound the starter makes while cranking. Doesn't sound like any Jap car.



_________________________________________________________________________________



Thank you Sir, for I have been wondering all along if there was any difference in the sound of these starters. Like you, I would never be happy with anything except the original starter sound (music). Maybe there is not much difference in the sound, but I really suspect there is. I know, I get way too much enjoyment from nostalgia and originality, and that is just me. And I respect others different ideas, so, most importantly, enjoy your Ford however you like it. Tom



Tom from the chiggerfarm located in the beautiful Heart of Central Texas

When you cannot dazzle others with your brilliance, baffle them with bullcorn!