Another Dumb Wiring Question....

[Ryan (Strange246)]

Ok I'm using a mini starter on the 440, I believe it's the same type used on the Dakota's etc but aftermarket, and a Ron Francis harness, do I still need a starter relay and starter solenoid? Or is it built into the starter?...hey I said it was a dumb question ...Wiring isnt my thing but I'm trying 

Ryan

Here's the starter...

[Capt Jack]

it can be hooked up like the stock one with the factory relay, but the solenoid idea has definite merrit.  it isolates all the power from the starter until its needed vs the factory style where the main cable is always hot and triggered by the smaller wire.

one minor mod needs to be done to the starter if you decide to use the ford type solenoid (which is what Im guessing youre talking about).  that would be bridging the two contacts at the starter (eliminating the need to run the smaller wire to it) so the trigger connection (the small wire) and the main power connection (the big wire) are activated at the same time.

trying to locate the drawing someone did for me here that explains it and lays it all out.   I'll post it if I can find it.  its pretty simple really, but not entirely necessary to run the extra solenoid.  my mini is hooked up the factory way right now and works really well as is.  then again, my motor is pretty mild, so as long as the starter cranks decently, its rarely a problem.

so..dont say its a dumb question, cuz I asked the same not all that long ago....   

[NYrr496]

It works better to bridge the pull in wire to the cable lug and activate the starter with the Ford Solenoid. This way, the solenoid gets full battery voltage, not voltage that has been pulled through the key switch, relay and that small diameter wire.
Your car will never crank the same way again.

[Ryan (Strange246)]

Gotcha! Thanks guys!

Ryan

[NYrr496]

I forgot. Remove that plastic spacer on the terminals and use the studs directly on the starter. That plastic part will burn up on a big block.

[PureGTS]

  The key will work for a while but it was never intended to handle that kind of a load. Best to use the relay and avoid unpleasent smolderig wire smells.