PMGR 460 starter

papadeath wrote: I know this is an old post but I'm (and have been), going through this same problem. I thought that since my headers (fordpowertrain, which are junk btw, too radical of a collector IMHO,and the customer service was pffft, and they were pricey. With coating I spent almost 900 on sorties, plus they lied to me and told me they were custom made for the rancher, but oddly enough had LINCOLN stamped on the base plate), when I first started putting in together I tried putting hook super comps in there but there was no way without serious mods. Changed the starter to the f250 one, worked well at first with the thermal wrap then it no longer helped at all, even with the ceramic. I'm going to order one of those db units. I might add that I wrapped a set of headers once and keeping all that heat in the pipes shortens the life of the headers SIGNIFICANTLY! Mine lasted less than a year cause the metal rusted to the point of coming apart in pieces.

My biggest issue was in the summer after the car get heat soaked and I shut it off. Then I would need to restart again in less than ten min and the thing would sound like I had a bad cell in the battery. This thing just spins that engine over like nothing. There is one in the future for my other ranchero. That one run headers so that will be even a sweeter deal. We all know what happens when headers roast your starter. This thing will fit in there with pleanty of airspace around it.  

I did a double locking nut with the bad stud. Now the cable is nice and tight . I have to say for the money these are a great deal!!! Thanks for the link! (I will be buying one for the other ranchero soon)

Edited by Dan the ranchero man - 14-October-2013 at 11:35AM

No need to be sorry. Sometimes these things happen. For $49.20 I am not going to worry about returning it if I was able to make it work. Take care Dan 

Dan, Sorry to hear about the quality of the starter they sent you . I kinda feel like a heel recommending the starter now.  Maybe this "deal" was too good to be true. IMO, I'd send it back, it won't get any better. I am surprised I didn't get THE bad starter with my luck . Todd

GranTorinoSport wrote: Yea, it was a decision I struggled with. Headers or no headers. If it was a 460 I would have prob just gone cast iron manifold (75+ version no donuts). But with 521 cubic inches of monster I just can't see how a stock manifold will flow at all, so headers are the only obvious choice. The hooker ceramics are nice. I think all things considered they are the best one could hope for. I believe they will work well for me, but that does not mean I don't get lots of those "you've got to be kidding me" moments as I am putting things together. Torinos are big cars and its nuts that it is such a tight fit.

Yea, it was a decision I struggled with. Headers or no headers. If it was a 460 I would have prob just gone cast iron manifold (75+ version no donuts). But with 521 cubic inches of monster I just can't see how a stock manifold will flow at all, so headers are the only obvious choice.

The hooker ceramics are nice. I think all things considered they are the best one could hope for. I believe they will work well for me, but that does not mean I don't get lots of those "you've got to be kidding me" moments as I am putting things together. Torinos are big cars and its nuts that it is such a tight fit.

Edited by GranTorinoSport - 09-October-2013 at 6:35PM

I, too, went with a new style starter on mine. I went with Powermaster, just because I have some experience with their products and generally like them. This one is a great find though. I also know that some buy starters for 90's f250's which are the same style.

Aquartlow - I love the comment about hookers and lots of clearance. I am finding out just how true that really is. Not.

Sounds great Dan. I just got/installed mine today and I must say I was impressed with this starter, not only for how small it is but also for how easily it spins my non-stock 460 even when HOT. I hope your experience with your new starter is as good as mine. I ordered mine @ 3:17 pm on Monday and it was delivered (central Florida) today(Wed) @ 12:30 pm, so be ready to install soon . The only thing I did differently than what DB instructions say, was that they sent a 12 ga wire to trigger the starter to engage, I upgraded to 10 ga wiring with a ring terminal on each end 1/4-5/16" on one end(starter mounted solenoid) and a 5/16-3/8" (attaches to fender mounted solenoid)on the other. The wire DB sends has a 5/16-3/8" one one end(goes to original fender mounted solenoid) the other end of the wire has a female speaker-type terminal that doesn't fit  or attach to the starter mounted solenoid. Good luck, Todd  Here is a scan of the instructions DB electrical sent:

Another plus I forgot to mention is that these are brand new starters, not remanned units.

I finally replaced my 460's starter for a Permanent Magnet Gear Reduction starter from DB Electrical. What a difference in cranking this little starter makes, whether the engine is hot or cold. I purchased the starter off of Ebay(directly from DB Electrical) shipped to my door for $49.20, I couldn't pass it up. The starter takes up at least 1/3 less space than the original(Hooker 6126's have PLENTY of room). DB also sent a wiring diagram and wire required for the swap(real easy). If you want or need an upgraded BBF starter this one could be a low cost option. You can find one here: