Starter recommendations
- Thread starter ab777
- Start date
There are a few threads in here of which OEM-style replacement starters to look for. One issue is the location of the cable connections, but there's also a kit for that, it seems. NO need for a Powermaster or similar, on a stock engine.
When I bought a new starter for my '70 Newport, the salesman didn't ask; he simply sold me on for a Durango. Fit a little tight, but it works great!
Jim 68cuda
Well-Known Member
After going through several starters for the 383 in my 67 Belvedere wagon, I am now on my 6th starter. My buddies and I have been working hard to put the car together in time for Chrysler Carlisle. The one in the car now is a fifty year old starter and seems to be working so far. We put it in Saturday after starter #5 crapped out the first time we took it more than three miles from the house. I tried several rebuilt or remanufactured starters from a few differnt auto parts store chains. Don't go that route. Went to OReilly Auto Parts, and the one they had for a 67 with a 383 was a modern starter with a plastic piece relocating the electrical terminals. I had high hopes for that one. But, that starter didn't fit. The plastic piece with the relocated terminals hit the side of the block. If you go with a newer mini starter, make sure you go by a part number that someone with hands on experience has used, or you'll end up with one that won't fit. Otherwise, find an old starter that hasn't been rebuilt recently.
Vaanth
Active Member
Chrysler started using the Nippondenso, aka Denso, starter in 1988. These starters were revised multiple times since introduction. Only the first few years of production are suitable for bolt-on use on earlier engines. Bolting onto small blocks is typically relatively issue free, but some starters and some big block installations can encounter issues. Although I have not used them much, I have added them to two of my trucks.
I've put together the following table to show the highlights of the early, and appropriate, mini-starter production, followed by some notes:
| Chrysler Number | Production | Nippondenso Number | New Changes & Notes | Lester Number |
| 4379144 | 1988 - 1990 | 128000-527 | Introduced in production on 239, 318, 360 | 17084 |
| 53005984, 53005984AB | 1991 - 1995 | 128000-781 | Improved design | 17466 |
| 56027702 | 1996 - 1998 | 228000-339 | Terminal revision | 17573 |
| 56027702AB, 56027702AC | 1999 -2003 | 228000-742 | Replaces 56027702. Also used on the 3.7L and 4.7L engines. | 17785 |
There are later production numbers and various application interchanges with aftermarket numbers which are typically based on the Lester numbers. Lester numbers are a semi-standardized method of designating original equipment starters and other automotive and truck electrical components for the aftermarket. Lester established the catalog cross reference numbering system for remanufactured starters, alternators, and other electrical components.
In general, a starter based on the 53005984, or Lester 17466, is the candidate for use on an earlier engine to replace a Chrysler gear reduction starter. Typical aftermarket Lester based numbering will look like 17466N, N17466, or similar. Lester number 17466 is generally specified to replace the following:
- Chrysler gear reduction numbers: 2095150, 2098500, 2785560, 2875560, 3255250, 3656575, 3656650, 3675560, 3755250, 3755259, 3755900, 4091950, 4091975, 4106113, 4106114, 4111855, 4111860, 4145300, 4145359, 4145360
- Chrysler direct drive numbers: 1877560, 4145568
- Chrysler Denso numbers: 53005984, 53005984AB
I've used a new aftermarket 17446 based starter on a 360 Ramcharger with headers, and a 440 D200 with headers. I used them for added header clearance. Both fit, but the terminals are close to the 440 block. I made some adjustment, but there are some terminal adapters available to help.
For my other eleven cars and trucks, all with factory manifolds, I use Chrysler gear reduction starters. I have not purchased a remanufactured starter since ~1977. They could be problematic depending on the rebuilder even back then. Since then, I've rebuilt my own for each vehicle of mine and my family, and never had an issue with them. I started with units unmolested by a mass rebuilder for each as needed. Some did not need rebuilding, but I went through most just to clean up, paint field housings, inspect, and replace worn brushes, etc. I did buy one new from Chrysler for one of my Challengers in 1981, which is still on it and has never been opened up.
Following, I've put together a table of Chrysler gear reduction starters as FYI, if looking into them. The best ones to choose are those from 1975 - 1987, either the 1.5 horse power version, or the 1.8 horsepower version. These spin faster and the 1.8 horsepower version is more powerful for more demanding applications. The 1.8 horsepower version will conflict with the left block to transmission strut on 340s, earlier 318s, and 273s and may not clear some headers that the 1.5 horsepower version will. The 1.8 horsepower starter is 1/2" longer with its field housing measuring 3-¾". The 1.5 horsepower starter's field housing measures 3-¼". The later starters do sound different from the earlier starters. Remanufactured starters may not be built the same or as well as original.
| Part Number | Production | Horsepower | Field Coils | Brush Plate & Solenoid | New Changes & Notes | Lester Number |
| 2095150 | 1962 & most 1964 - 1969 | 1.3 | Small; three series and one shunt | Captive with sealant | Introduced in production | 3250 |
| 2098500 | All 1963 & 1964 - 1969 170 | 1.3 | Small; four series | Captive with sealant | Higher speed | 3250 |
| 2875560 | 1970 - 1972 | 1.3 | Small; three series and one shunt | Two-bolt, rubber-gasket | Middle bushing removed. Replaces 2095150. | 3250 |
| 3656650 | 1973 models - January 1973 | 1.3 | Small; four series | Two-bolt, rubber-gasket | Replaces 2098500. | 3250 |
| 3656575 | From January 1973 - 12/17/1974 | 1.5 | Large; four series | Two-bolt, rubber-gasket | Large field coils, higher speed, longer spindown | 3257 |
| 3755250 | 1975 - 1977 | 1.8 | Larger; four series | Two-bolt, rubber-gasket | Longer field housing & armature, 2:1 reduction, higher speed, shorter spindown, shock absorbing clutch | 3257 |
| 3755900 | 12/18/1973 - 1978 | 1.5 | Large; four series | Two-bolt, rubber-gasket | Shock absorbing clutch | 3257 |
| 4091950 | 1978 - 1980 | 1.8 | Larger; four series | Two-bolt, rubber-gasket | Replaces 3755250. | 3259 |
| 4091975 | 1979 - 1980 | 1.5 | Large; four series | Two-bolt, rubber-gasket | Replaces 3755900. | 3257 |
| 4111855 | 1980 | 1.5 | Large; four series | Two-bolt, rubber-gasket | New number, replaces earlier 1.5hp starters | 3257 |
| 4111860 | 1980 | 1.8 | Larger; four series | Two-bolt, rubber-gasket | New number, replaces earlier 1.8hp starters | 3259 |
| 4145359 | 1981 - 1987 | 1.5 | Large; four series | Two-bolt, rubber-gasket | New number, replaces earlier 1.5hp starters. May be stamped with 4111855. | 3257 |
| 4145360 | 1981 - 1987 | 1.8 | Larger; four series | Two-bolt, rubber-gasket | New number, replaces earlier 1.8hp starters | 3259 |
NOTE: 3258 is an alternate number for Lester 3259.
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It seems I am going to stick to my old starter as it seems to be working okay for now.
Very helpful. The remanufactured starters seem to be very much a hit and miss.
Jakter
Well-Known Member
Have it rebuilt by a reputable shop while it's out and you'll never touch it again.
That’s what I was thinking too.
mrfury68
Senior Member
What he said. I have always had my starters and alternators rebuilt by a local shop. Never an issue ever.
ynst
Member
I always use the high torque MoPar starters found on the Dodge V8 powered engines in their commercial vans. They’re longer than the standard one to accommodate a longer field and armature assembly. I have a couple on the shelf in case I ever need one but the last one I installed went in about 15 years ago.
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