My intention is to install a Ford solenoid on 85 EC with the fusible links being moved to the Ford solenoid (battery side) and the starter side of solenoid being wired for the starter with 1/0 cable and a 10 gauge wire to the solenoid atop the starter (the "GM Starter"). My question is where should I locate the Ford solenoid. I would prefer the Ford solenoid close to the battery and not on the firewall. I would prefer the Ford solenoid not be installed on the fender-well. I have looked at installing the Ford solenoid on the inside of the fender but it does not appear that I have sufficient clearance. I am looking for input on where to locate the Ford solenoid. Let me know your thoughts.
Where to Locate Ford Solenoid
- Thread starter xcookpac
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I mounted mine on my non ac heater case with 1/0 welding cable going to the starter but instead of a jumper wire from the factory solenoid to the starter I made one using tin plated copper plate that way I never have any heat related issues since my header tubes wrap around my starter and also my starter and the cable are both heat wrapped. I have never had a hard start issue with this set up.
Im still confused as to how this setup can alleviate a hot start problem. The starter still has a solenoid attached to it, and it still has to be wired. Even with the remote ford solenoid, I still dont see the difference. I would think a heat shield or thermal wrap around the starter is the easiest and most effective method for preventing hot start issues. JMO.....
I think the main reason the Ford solenoid works is it has a direct power supply from the battery since the battery cable going to the starter is only for cranking not for powering the whole car.The Ford solenoid has to work less and draws less power.
Also on a GM you always have a live battery cable on your starter with smaller wires which when any of them get hot it increases resistance in the wiring especially with headers.
Some of the added benifits of this set up besides eliminating hot starts are cleaner wire routing.
You can attach accessories to the power side of the solenoid.
Easier starter removal since there is only one cable without power.
Easy to add bump switches for rocker adjustment.
I have 2 fuse panels and a bump switch on each fender wired into the positive side of my Ford solenoid and also another battery cable that goes to the front of my car as another acc. power source (works great for timing light when your battery is in the trunk).
Also on a GM you always have a live battery cable on your starter with smaller wires which when any of them get hot it increases resistance in the wiring especially with headers.
Some of the added benifits of this set up besides eliminating hot starts are cleaner wire routing.
You can attach accessories to the power side of the solenoid.
Easier starter removal since there is only one cable without power.
Easy to add bump switches for rocker adjustment.
I have 2 fuse panels and a bump switch on each fender wired into the positive side of my Ford solenoid and also another battery cable that goes to the front of my car as another acc. power source (works great for timing light when your battery is in the trunk).
Interesting....never thought about it in those scenarios. Learn something new everyday! 
Thanks for the info....
Thanks for the info....
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