[DeTomaso] DeTomaso Digest, Vol 76, Issue 17

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

In a message dated 11/22/10 11:54:43 AM, lance730 at msn.com writes:

> Newbie to the brotherhood will need advice and will have dumb questions. 
> Can you any Ford 351 starter motor work in 1988 gt5s? (stock exhaust) would 
> the car have a 157 tooth flywheel?
> 
Almost all 351Cs had 164-tooth starters while Windsors could have either. 
You realize that a LOT of time has passed since '88 and the Pantera (all 
years) is arguably the most-modified sportscar ever built, so long-distance 
guesses are unreliable. An '88 could have either a 351-C or a 351-W; determine 
which you have before ordering. The oil pressure sender location is the most 
reliable- on a Cleveland it's at the back of the block up on top beween the 
rear intake runners, while a 351-W will either be lower on the rt side very 
near the bellhousing flange, or (rarely) attached to an extension near the 
fuel pump.   Buying from a Pantera vendor will ensure you get the correct 
unit and they will help you determine which starter you need. All have 
money-back guarantees and will consult on the phone- something that E-Bay or Jegs 
cannot say!
Getting the stock starter out with stock exhausts still connected is a real 
exercise, but have faith- the greasy 12-lb lump WILL come out without 
taking the pipe off! A gear-drive starter is 2/3 the size and 1/2 the weight of a 
stocker so installing one is simple by comparison. Follow the instructions 
that come with your starter EXACTLY for best results. Adding an extra, heavy 
ground wire to the ZF or to a head bolt from a shiny spot on the chassis 
will improve any starter's performance. FWIW, I installed   a McLeod 
(Cleveland 164-tooth) in the early '90s and have had zero problems starting a 
modified engine hot or cold. Good luck- J Deryke