I've got the same problem as most. My 454 with headers kills my stock starter after it has run a while. When it cools down it works ok. So...a friend offered me a smaller GM starter that he had originally got for his 2000 chevy truck. Looks like it will bolt right up. My questions are:
1) Will it work?
2) If so, I have a small yellow wire and a larger purple wire existing, the new starter has only one small terminal....?

Thanks
Skip :)

Yes it should work.

I'm pretty sure that unless you're using a points-type distributor, you don't need the yellow wire hooked up.

I'm using an HEI dist., so I'll leave the yellow wire off. Looks like I may have to get some new mounting bolts, I think the stock ones are going to be too short. I've heard these starters are suppose to be similar to high torque mini starters. Hopefully this will do the trick.

Thanks
Skip :)

My friend has an auto repair shop, And races a 70 monte carlo with a built 502. He is running a delco remy 4.3--V-6- starter and it spins his 502 just fine. This starter is a gear reduction and not LOUD like most. its a G.M. So monkey see monkey do!!!! I put a rebuitl DELCO-REMY $155.00 4.3 V-6 on my 454. my engine is a 9.6 to 1. Very quiet, spins the engine just fine. I have no Complaints and I made new bolts. Many racers are using this type, lightweight and tape the yellow wire back use the purple, The yellow wire provides 12 Volts on crank to the dist it by-passes the resistance for starting.
Bob ACES 2825 70 SS 454 M-22 org ownr--70 SS 454 RED sta. wgn.

I'm using an HEI dist., so I'll leave the yellow wire off.
First check to see where the yellow wire goes. If it goes to the HEI, then there should be another wire also connected to it (from the IGN switch) Disconnect the yellow wire at HEI and check the wire from the IGN switch to see if it has power in the crank positon. Depending on how the car was converted to the HEI, it may or may not have power in crank position. If the wire from IGN switch has power in crank position, the yellow wire can be left disconnected or removed. If the wire from IGN switch does not have power in the crank position, then the yellow was supplying power to the HEI during cranking. You can either change your power source to one that has power in both crank and run positions, or continue to use the yellow wire. To use the yellow wire on a late model starter, connect it to the purple with a diode.
Summit has them, Powermaster p/n 600. Its for their starter but will work on any others too.
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=PWM%2D600&N=0&autoview=sku

Well I put the 2000 chevy starter on my ol' big block. Cranks great now. Whether cold or hot, does'nt matter. I am pleased :D . Now I need to decide which issue to go after next. Hmmm......let's see, noisey valve train, running warm, oil leaks, shifting to soon, adjust headlights, etc.,etc.(LOL)

Hey 72bb what engine was in that 2000 chevy pickup you got the starter from?

My friend had a 2000 3/4 ton truck with a big block. He bought the starter and never installed it (?). He offered it to me and with a little help from the cool guys here at TC I'm going again (LOL). It's my understanding that these starters are the same for a small or big block on the 2000 chevys. :)