How to Hook Up a Push Button Start on a Chevy 350

by Don Bowman
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Hooking up a push button start to a Chevy 350 engine implies an on and off ignition switch has already been installed or the car has a defective ignition switch on the steering column. The push button start switch activates the starter, not the ignition. This device is used in race cars primarily, with a minimal wiring harness. The ignition switch should be turned on first, before pressing the starter button, to activate the starter.

Step 1

Locate a convenient position for the starter button switch. Generally, the starter switch is positioned on either an overhead panel or on the right-hand side of the sheet metal panel with the twin MSD ignitions. Drill a hole with a power drill and insert the switch. Install the front locking ring onto the switch and tighten.

Step 2

Run a piece of wire from either the buss bar or the fuse box to the switch. The buss bar, primarily used on a race car, is a block of fuses with a battery, plus a wire on one side and a negative ground on the other. If the hot wire to the switch will be routed from the inside fuse block, use a 30-amp fused circuit. Attach a spade terminal to the end of the wire and plug it into the corresponding spade terminal next to the 30-amp fuse.

Step 3

Connect the appropriate wire connector on the fuse side of the wire then connect this to the selected fuse terminal. A spade terminal will usually be available in the box, which will supply the necessary amperage. If the circuit is hard to find, use a voltmeter to locate the appropriate terminal. Crimp the terminal connector with a crimper tool.

Step 4

Install a spade terminal onto the switch side of the wire and crimp it securely. Install this spade terminal to either terminal on the switch.

Step 5

Run another length of wire from the switch to the small terminal on the starter solenoid. Install a spade terminal on the switch side of the wire and plug this terminal into the starter switch. Connect an appropriate terminal (a spade or stud) to the solenoid terminal.

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