332-428 Ford FE Engine Forum-Installing a Powermaster Starter (2024)

I purchased Powermaster 9606 Mastertorque Starter (Ford FE 390, 427, 428) and am now trying to figure out how to install it. It has what they call an Infini-clock feature that enables adjusting its orientation. The installation instructions are generic so don't address my specific application, an FE in a '76 F-150.
So far, my install attempts seem to indicate that it needs to be upside down placing the electrical connections between the starter and the block. Moreover, there is a slight interference with the block that prevents making it hug the block better and, thus, avoid heat soak via the headers. This should be correctable with some light grinding.
Here's a picture:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/qggx6y9h5ub24 ... 6.jpg?dl=0

So has anyone else done this and, if so, am I on the right path?

ago I acquired a 'Mean Green' Starter for a 390. I had about the same problems you seem to be having. Although it was 'clockable', there was no position in which there wasn't block interference. I had to grind away some small, unnecessary part of the block casting to get everything to fit properly. As you guessed,you'll probably have to do the same thing.

KS

I purchased Powermaster 9606 Mastertorque Starter (Ford FE 390, 427, 428) and am now trying to figure out how to install it. It has what they call an Infini-clock feature that enables adjusting its orientation. The installation instructions are generic so don't address my specific application, an FE in a '76 F-150.
So far, my install attempts seem to indicate that it needs to be upside down placing the electrical connections between the starter and the block. Moreover, there is a slight interference with the block that prevents making it hug the block better and, thus, avoid heat soak via the headers. This should be correctable with some light grinding.
Here's a picture:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/qggx6y9h5ub24 ... 6.jpg?dl=0

So has anyone else done this and, if so, am I on the right path?

I have the Powermaster XS version of that starter mounted just like your picture (Mine is in a Mustang). Haven't had any issues nor does it get heat soak and I'll bet the Mustang headers are a little closer than the truck versions. Been 5 or 6 years now. Not a daily driver though.

I purchased Powermaster 9606 Mastertorque Starter (Ford FE 390, 427, 428) and am now trying to figure out how to install it. It has what they call an Infini-clock feature that enables adjusting its orientation. The installation instructions are generic so don't address my specific application, an FE in a '76 F-150.
So far, my install attempts seem to indicate that it needs to be upside down placing the electrical connections between the starter and the block. Moreover, there is a slight interference with the block that prevents making it hug the block better and, thus, avoid heat soak via the headers. This should be correctable with some light grinding.
Here's a picture:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/qggx6y9h5ub24 ... 6.jpg?dl=0

So has anyone else done this and, if so, am I on the right path?

in a 69 F100 with headers. Had to grind a little and looks just like yours. I was afraid of heat on the wires so I wrapped the wires with Fire Blanket and Metal Tie Straps

I purchased Powermaster 9606 Mastertorque Starter (Ford FE 390, 427, 428) and am now trying to figure out how to install it. It has what they call an Infini-clock feature that enables adjusting its orientation. The installation instructions are generic so don't address my specific application, an FE in a '76 F-150.
So far, my install attempts seem to indicate that it needs to be upside down placing the electrical connections between the starter and the block. Moreover, there is a slight interference with the block that prevents making it hug the block better and, thus, avoid heat soak via the headers. This should be correctable with some light grinding.
Here's a picture:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/qggx6y9h5ub24 ... 6.jpg?dl=0

So has anyone else done this and, if so, am I on the right path?

My engine is a Dart 363 inside a 90 Mazda B2200 so the headers going under the chassis make it tight in that spot.

So, to get the starter off, I always have to remove the headers.

There is one wiring going to the relay from the ignition which is separate from the other wires going to the starter [ie battery, alt, etc].

So what I did to make it impossible to wire the ignition switch in the wrong spot, AND make it easier to remove/install was this.

I cut the ign wire, and added a female wire connector to one end, and the then a male wire connector going to the ring type connector that is bolted to the starter relay [relay on the starter, not the convention Ford relay on the firewall/inner fender].

This way I don't have to mess with trying to get that tiny nut off the starter whenever I have to change it out. All I have to do is just pull the connectors apart.

The other wires, like battery wire, etc go to a bigger stud on the starter, and are easier to install/remove, imo, which is why I just leave them as is.

I purchased Powermaster 9606 Mastertorque Starter (Ford FE 390, 427, 428) and am now trying to figure out how to install it. It has what they call an Infini-clock feature that enables adjusting its orientation. The installation instructions are generic so don't address my specific application, an FE in a '76 F-150.
So far, my install attempts seem to indicate that it needs to be upside down placing the electrical connections between the starter and the block. Moreover, there is a slight interference with the block that prevents making it hug the block better and, thus, avoid heat soak via the headers. This should be correctable with some light grinding.
Here's a picture:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/qggx6y9h5ub24 ... 6.jpg?dl=0

So has anyone else done this and, if so, am I on the right path?

The Powermaster 9506M fits the FE better than the 9606. I had the 9606 on my 390 and had to grind the block to make fit right. When I put the 427 in this past winter I had the same issue plus the 9606 hit # 3 REF Unlimited header so I called Powermaster and John recommended the 9506 M it fits perfect. Hope this helps.