440 Starter Opinion

Yes 1 7/8" underchassis. I wrapped the tubes by the starter when I 1st built it (Still looks good). The starter was slow from day one and slowly got worse over time to the point it will no longer turn it at all.It was a 440 source starter. Someone else on Fabo had the same thing happen with that starter around the time I bought mine.Not sure about space for a heat sheild but may consider it. Thanks