heat shield for a 351
 

I had my '82 out for a quick test drive yesterday and I quickly remembered that it always had a "hot starting" problem. I have BBK shorty headers and they are pretty close to the starter. I have the starter wrapped with header wrap to keep it cool but it doesn't seem to work. What I really need is a heat shield. Does anyone know if they make a shield for a 351W.
Does anyone else have this problem?


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'82 GT 351W C-4,BBK headers,Carter 625 carb,Comp.Cam,Flowmaster exhaust.
1988 GT...T-5,bone stock

Anybody want to field this one...


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'82 GT 351W C-4,BBK headers,Carter 625 carb,Comp.Cam,Flowmaster exhaust.
1988 GT...T-5,bone stock

I'll take a stab at it...
wrap those headers with a high quality exhaust wrap, it'll void your warrantee, but that is only because it ruins the finish on the headers, not the performance.
Hope this helped

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Reaching for the 12's!!

Whassup 82GT.

How far away is your starter? If it is not cranking easily b/c the starter is too hot, then how about getting the header insulators instead of trying to insulate the starter? You'd have to remove your headers though (i think). That's the first time I've heard of your problem, but then again I ain't no expert either.

You sure the starter isn't just messed up? From some other reason? Sure it's not your electrical system (solenoid, battery)?

Sorry for not being able to answer your exact ?.

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351W-powered 1979 Ford Mustang notchback
Stock 5.8L under 4" cowl, C4 w/ shift kit
Holley 750 cfm, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake
1 5/8" MAC shorty headers, Al driveshaft
2.5" Off road H-pipe, 2-chamber Flowmasters
Front: 225/60/15, Rear: 255/60/15 Eagle GT II
Weld wheels (15x6;15x8), 8.8" Rear w/ 3.55s
14 x 4” K&N air filter (getting the Xtreme setup someday) http://www.mustangworks.com/msgboard/cool.gif

"Red, thou art my companion. Hasten now your quickened metamorphosis to Green that I may conquer all who dare abide there beside me. May they be left thither behind burnt black." ---Fox Body

I've been wondering where you have been Foxbody.
My started is only inches away from the headers,probably just like yours since we both have the same body style and engine setup. The selenoid isn't near any heat and the starter was replaced 2 yrs ago but the car has been down since then until now.
I use the battery out of my '88 when I want to start it up so it's not that.
I recently installed a 100amp Powermaster alternator that eliminates the external regulator, so it can't be that either.
I usually have to wait 10-15 min. before it will kick over again. I thought maybe I could fabricate some sort of heat shield for the starter.
What about those mini starters? Would something like that work?


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'82 GT 351W C-4,BBK headers,Carter 625 carb,Comp.Cam,Flowmaster exhaust.
1988 GT...T-5,bone stock

Hey, I been screwin around alot in the street racers corner and blueoval lounge forums lately, or just not posting as much lately due to time contraints.

I was just about to suggest one of those smaller high-torque starters from Ford, but they cost about $150-$170. It would give you a few more inches of clearance which would help, but I don't know if that is a wise solution.

And well, I honestly haven't had any problems with my starter. I'd say I have at LEAST 3-5 inches of space b/t starter and h-pipe------ Wait a minute, do you have long tubes or shorty headers. I got shorties. Maybe that's the diff.

Well, if you're gonna wrap anything, it'd be better wrap your exaust (the part that's close to the starter) instead of the starter (i'd worry with a wrap too close to the flywheel).

If you do have shorties, and have the stock four-cat h-pipe, then maybe the cat is close to the starter (can't picture it in my head now) and that thing get's super hot and I could see a prob there. If that is the case, I'm sure you could just buy/find a heat shield for your cat that would block a lot of the heat. Tin or Al should work.

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351W-powered 1979 Ford Mustang notchback
Stock 5.8L under 4" cowl, C4 w/ shift kit
Holley 750 cfm, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake
1 5/8" MAC shorty headers, Al driveshaft
2.5" Off road H-pipe, 2-chamber Flowmasters
Front: 225/60/15, Rear: 255/60/15 Eagle GT II
Weld wheels (15x6;15x8), 8.8" Rear w/ 3.55s
14 x 4” K&N air filter (getting the Xtreme setup someday) http://www.mustangworks.com/msgboard/cool.gif

"Red, thou art my companion. Hasten now your quickened metamorphosis to Green that I may conquer all who dare abide there beside me. May they be left thither behind burnt black." ---Fox Body

[This message has been edited by Fox Body (edited 07-26-2001).]

I have shorty headers. My cat converters are looooong gone. I took anything that wasn't need off the car. I am going to look around for a shield if anyone makes them. If not, then I am going to try and make one.
Talk to ya later Foxbody



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'82 GT 351W C-4,BBK headers,Carter 625 carb,Comp.Cam,Flowmaster exhaust.
1988 GT...T-5,bone stock

It couldn't hurt to fab up a heat shield either. Real easy...get two aluminum cans and some pink or better insulation from a house. Cut the tops and bottoms from the cans, and split them down the seam. Flatten them out and mash the insulation between them. Then seal the ends (dont have to but looks better) by riveting, welding, crimping, you pick. Then bolt it at least a 1/2 inch over the starter.

WOW!!........dude....this post is 3 years old.......LOL