How to Choose a Cummins Starter

 

Choosing the right Cummins starter shouldn’t be so hard if you know the right steps to take. There are many starters to choose from, but the most important thing is setting up and feeding the starter what it needs to function to its full potential. This means that the electrical system, switches, battery, and cables must all be up to the task. It takes only one weak link for you to get stuck in the pits or miss your turn on the autocross.

When choosing a Cummins starter, the obvious first step is finding one that physically fits your application. You will need to determine if your Chevy block accommodates a straight mount starter or a diagonal pattern. For Ford applications, you will need to determine if the ring gear is 3/8” from the engine plate (indicating a typical manual transmission starter) or if it is closer to a 3/4” requiring a typical auto transmission unit.

You will also need to determine if you have an oil pan or an exhaust system that will affect the starter mounting position. If you are working with a confined space, a more compact gear reduction starter will be necessary.

Apart from the smaller size being a bonus, gear reduction starters (which are commonly referred to as mini starters) are generally lighter, and they provide increased torque over standard starter motors. As a matter of fact, when it comes to gear reduction starters versus the large, the conventional direct-drive starters from the ‘80s and back, there is just no reason to stick with convention, unless you are going for a 100-point restoration. You are better off with gear reduction starters because they are more efficient, they deliver more torque, and are so much lighter.

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