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Eman · 07-09-2018, 05:54 PM

3 schools of thought when it comes to wiring GM starters. First is do it like the General designed. ARC recommends wiring like this and has their panels set up with high amperage switches. The downside is GM used 10 or 12 ga wire since the solenoid got hot and amperage draw went higher. This usually doesn't play well with micro switch most shifters use for a NS switch.
Second method uses either the old style or new style Ford solenoids. You use a heavy jumper on the GM starter solenoid and use the Ford solenoid to switch the main battery cable. this allows a smaller wire as a trigger since you're using the Ford solenoid as a relay and it doesn't require high amperage and you can mount it in a cool spot. Down side is with a permanent magnet starter motor it can at times cause starter run on and you have another set of contacts and voltage drop to the starter windings.
Third method is running the main cable to the starter solenoid with no jumper. Use a heavy duty relay or a Ford solenoid to switch the solenoid trigger wire. this way you have low amperage through your starter switch and your NS switch and then run a 10ga wire from the relay/solenoid to the starter solenoid.
They all work.

07-09-2018, 05:54 PM	#7
Eman Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: E TN Posts: 473 Likes: 16 Liked 133 Times in 76 Posts	Re: Online source for electrical connectors 3 schools of thought when it comes to wiring GM starters. First is do it like the General designed. ARC recommends wiring like this and has their panels set up with high amperage switches. The downside is GM used 10 or 12 ga wire since the solenoid got hot and amperage draw went higher. This usually doesn't play well with micro switch most shifters use for a NS switch. Second method uses either the old style or new style Ford solenoids. You use a heavy jumper on the GM starter solenoid and use the Ford solenoid to switch the main battery cable. this allows a smaller wire as a trigger since you're using the Ford solenoid as a relay and it doesn't require high amperage and you can mount it in a cool spot. Down side is with a permanent magnet starter motor it can at times cause starter run on and you have another set of contacts and voltage drop to the starter windings. Third method is running the main cable to the starter solenoid with no jumper. Use a heavy duty relay or a Ford solenoid to switch the solenoid trigger wire. this way you have low amperage through your starter switch and your NS switch and then run a 10ga wire from the relay/solenoid to the starter solenoid. They all work.