How to Hook Up a Push Button Start on a Chevy 350
by Don Bowman
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.
Things You'll Need
- Drill
- Drill bit
- Roll of 14-gauge wire
- Box of assorted wire terminal connectors
- Wire crimper
- Flat head screwdriver
- Pliers
- 30-amp temporary "On" switch
Writer Bio
Don Bowman has been writing for various websites and several online magazines since 2008. He has owned an auto service facility since 1982 and has over 45 years of technical experience as a master ASE tech. Bowman has a business degree from Pennsylvania State University and was an officer in the U.S. Army (aircraft maintenance officer, pilot, six Air Medal awards, two tours Vietnam).
