Starter Solenoid

[ksamson]

Hello Roadsters, I am running a 351W, with Ron Francis wiring, MSD 6AL and a High Torque starter.

Question: What is the best starter solenoid that works well and is reliable?

[tirod]

Are you using a starter with a solenoid on it? The Ford fender mount solenoid would be redundant at that point, but it is a good item to use for a common power takeoff, and the regulator is commonly hooked up there to get the best sense of voltage load.

Beyond that, any standard solenoid will do the job. A metal cased continuous duty is available for use in truck tailgate applications, like this: http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/BWD0/S55.oap?year=1982&make=Dodge&model=D150&vi=1084520&ck=Search_01833_1084520_-1&pt=01833&ppt=C0330

The later model gear reduction starter from Ford is much more powerful, and setting up the wiring without the extra fender solenoid reduces the long term voltage drop. But it puts you into designing/creating the wire harness a lot more intimately. It won't make a huge difference, go with what you are comfortable with.

[CHOTIS BILL]

According to Ford Racing you should use the fender solenoid but rewire it so that the fender solenoid turns on the started solenoid and the +12V goes directly to the starter.

Bill Lomenick

[CraigS]

If you are asking about the firewall solenoid like in the link above, many have found over the years that the actual factory Ford part is the most reliable.