A relay would mount, like a new car, on the firewall or fenderwell. That would keep it cool. The relay carries minimal current compared to the starter switch (a.k.a. solenoid).

I drive my car on many cruises, including hours and hours of stop and go traffic (Woodward). Stock compression 400 auto with air and ps, original radiator, original fan, stock water pump, lots of heat. The ONLY time I had a hot start issue was when we drove to Gary Plowman's house, about 2 1/2 hours on the freeway, stayed just long enough for a thorough heat soak, back on the freeway, then shut it off at a gas station after a few miles. I had to back the timing off about 3 degrees to start it (rather than waiting for it to cool). Starter is at least 25 years old and has not been modified. I start it up and shut it down all the time without issue.

So millions of Fords are driving around with a stock 'band aid' ?

-(I know that some of you guys don't like Fords, -so... here's your chance ;)=

-One advantage, is in any case -Only one wire to starter.

-Easy access to 'bump start' ..

-Do my starter work when cold (or right after a stop) Yes.

-10 mins. after ? No.

-I'll settle for Fords 'band aid'

-Perhaps the starter (if taken apart) is faulty -but it's likely because of the heat. -and it was designed to take more than usual.


-WHo knows.. -I'm taking my bird for a spin....

No, the Ford came from the factory engineered that way. A bandaid is a temporary repair, not a design choice.

Hate Fords? Not really. But I wouldn't buy an old Mustang when my choices include first generation Firebirds or Camaros. I don't hate Novas either, but the styling is lacking IMHO. My mom might have considered a Nova, but a Firebird was to "sports car" to her back in the day. She owned a '67 Delmont 88 with the 350 Rocket. Say what you will about an old soft sprung Olds, but as a 16 year old, I pushed that heavy car pretty hard through the turns when I borrowed it on occasion.

We have two Fords as daily drivers. They serve different goals. Both seem adequately durable and they are somewhat USA content. They both have shortcomings and advantages. Both are superior in different ways. I hated my 82 Dodge truck since the second week of ownership. I could never get the dealer to fix any of the manfacturing mistakes. The service manager asked me "why don't you just drive the truck and stop bring it back to fix problems"? I retaliated with Dodge for it's service shortcomings by continuing to drive it today. It's still out front.

We had an '86 Thunderbird with +250K on the clock and we drove it onto the flatbed with another 50K trouble-free left when we gave it to the church. I don't hate Chevies either. We gave up an '86 Caprice to family five years ago with 1/4 million miles on it as third owner and they still have it running strong. Maybe they will give it back one day so it becomes a low-rider. I hope that's not soon, because I have too much on my plate. I miss my first 68 Firebird with a passion and regret ever parting with it. I had a 74 Duster 318/4 speed too and I liked it a lot while I had it. But I wouldn't look to buy one today. It's styling is kind of mundane. I think the Valient lines were more elegant. I should have bought the Barracuda I as shopping for at the time, but I couldn't see anything out the windows. That would have made it hard to drive though traffic.

I wouldn't put a Ford 9" in the Firebird either, though it's probably a good solid choice. I'll be putting a Chevy 12-bolt posi instead, just to stay with GM and to get a good posi. I guess we each solve our concerns differently. I'm sure I'll take flack for the 12-bolt at car shows. I won't be leaving the chrome cover in place, lol.

My pontiac didn't come from the factory with long headers, and 500+ hp.. -And not so much room for stock (if any room) starters.
-So the design to deal with too much heat for the solenoid, was -as fords- a remote starter.

-It came with cast iron exhaust manifolds (not very long compared to headers). -that's why the solenoid wasn't as exposed to heat.

-Fords had smaller engine bays, -not so much room for big starters.

-As Vikki said, heavy duty starters were available.

Not to mention (as we can see from Thomas' pictures) todays headers almost rely on 'mini' starters in order to fit.

I'm sure you don't hate Fords.. -why should anyone of us in here hate a company that introduced the 'ponycar' concept..

-Who knows.. -without the mustangs, -maybe no firebirds/camaros.

-But there is really no need to debate what design came originally, or first.

-Original designs were compromised in relations to what was easiest to fit and cheapest for any of the carmakers..

-Only if they had no other choice the design would be best quality available. (just like today).

I have 12 bolt posi, from moser, and recommend it.
-However the only reason why I didn't go with 9 inch, was heavier weight.
-Yeah I got rid of the chrome cover too (LOL), and put on an aluminium.(which I eventually painted black)