[bertfam]

Chuck,

I was in the same boat as you with my 68. Wouldn't start after turning it off. I had to wait around 20 minutes or so before it would start again.

I bought the paragon shield, but it really didn't help that much. The original shielding is not for the starter, but for the solenoid, and most of the heat related problems stem from the starter itself. I ended up taking back several starters until I finally found one that would work when hot. I also have a 396 and Hooker Headers, so yes, it will fit if you decide to go that route.

A few suggestions I can pass along:

1. Don't have too much initial timing. This makes the starter have to push against a lot of compression and when the engine heats up, it's even more of a problem.

2. Use the shims that come with the starter. I found that just by adding or removing these, it really does make a difference. You may have to "play" before you get the right combination and it's not unusual to have to cut a shim in half for only one bolt hole.

3. Go with a name brand. I used an Auto ZOne remanufactured starter and had to go through several before I found one that would work when hot. Guys tell me that the NAPA starters are much better.

4. Better yet, go with a new "mini" starter unless you absolutely have to have original. These end the hot soak problems for good.

5. Go with the correct gauge battery cables or larger. Smaller gauge cables don't work very well.

6. Get the shortest cable you can for your application. Less resistance in short cables than long ones.

7. Not all batteries are alike. Cold Cranking Amps is not the same a Hot Cranking Amps and most batteries are rated at Cold Carnking Amps.

8. Keep all connections clean and tight.

Good luck
Ed