Thought I would upgrade to a Summit mini starter for my small block. Simple upgrade?

Problem is, after the engine fires, it grinds for a second no matter how fast I try to let go of the ignition key. I have tried every possible shim combo with no luck.

Seems to do it mainly when the car is cold.

Should I order a new starter? Another brand?

Thanks

The solenoid is probably sticking in the "in" position, (which mean the gear is out).
Whatever it is, it's a fault with that starter.. Contact Summit and have them repair or replace. It could happen to any brand although, the Summit brand usually is the cheaper of what's generally available.

Try taking it off of the engine and ground hopping it with a good battery charger or a set of jumper cables. If the starter gear doesn't spring back as soon as the power is disconnected it could be faulty. If it is faulty Summit should replace it for free.

Sgrouse it looks that you had the same problem as mi,I know maybe I'm a bit too late and you alredy bought another estarter,it looks that sonme mini starter create a magnetic issue creating a delay in returnig the gear for 1 or so seconds and the solution is simple as instaling a ford solenoid.I did found the answer to this problem in this forums,

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/installing-mini-starter-my-chevy-96433.html
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/help-mini-sarter-docvette-90765.html


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the mini uses rotational force from the flywheel to throw the bendix back in instead of using a return spring...it could be a starter issue, but i`d try shimming the starter out further first...

Normally these starters come with pinion shims to get starter a little further away from flywheel. You could send back and up grade to Tilton super starter. Now you need to look a see how much damage you have to the flywheel.