• Back to Reviews SCOUT SMARTS By Joe Valdez • 4WD & Sport Utility Magazine If you're a Corn Binder owner, you need to know about Mean Green's new line of high-torque starters and high-output alternators. Now owners of International Harvester (IH) Scouts and trucks can upgrade as easily as owners of other 4x4's. The first and most obvious feature of a Mean Green starter is that it is 33 percent smaller than the factory unit. A heavy-duty industrial solenoid is integrated onto the Mean Green starter. This solenoid is less susceptible to the hot starting problem, which usually occurs from an overheated solenoid on the stock starters that is common in Scouts running V-8s. The Mean Green starter weighs 12 pounds, which is about half that of the stock Scout unit. This smaller size and reduced weight makes installing a Mean Green starter a breeze. Those folks who like running headers will really appreciate this. The real improvement is noticed when you actually crank it over. You can instantly tell that this starter means business when you hit the ignition. The Mean Green starter provides a 4.4:1 ultra-low gear reduction, which is much more powerful than the stock 1:1 setup. With Mean Green spinning your motor, start-ups are now possible even in the most adverse conditions. Whether our engine was too hot or too cold, the ultra-low gear set in Mean Green's starter got our IH running, on and off the trail. For those with a manual tranny, you'll find that starting in gear is a snap. This is especially nice when you need to start the engine without depressing the clutch when you're perched on a rock. In addition, the Mean Green starter is as durable as it is powerful, using bearings rather than bushings such as those in a stock starter. Mean Green states that the expected starter life is in the 3000,000-mile or 35,000-start range. Stock starters are rated for only around 4,500 starts. In addition to starters, Mean Green also manufactures a line of alternators for Scout and IH trucks. Mean Green now has alternators that are ready to bolt right into your Scout II or other IH. Our Mean Green alternator used the original Scout II mounting bracket and dual-prong plug for an easy OEM fit. The pulley that came with our alternator is smaller in diameter than our original. This smaller pulley means a faster turning unit, which helps with low-rpm charging. Interesting enough, the MG unit was slightly smaller than the original Scout II alternator. However, there's nothing small about the amperage it produces. The Mean Green alternator's 140 amps will keep your battery fully charged. And with more than twice the stock output, you'll find that your winch and other accessories are happier too. Scout owners know that they tax a winch more than owners of lighter 4x4s. Mean Green Industries has made a commitment to providing Scout owners with some true powerhouse aftermarket solutions in a marketplace that seems to be flooded with late-model SUV and 4x4 accessories. So the next time you hear someone grumble, "Why doesn't anyone make high-performance stuff for Scouts?" you'll know they haven't heard about Mean Green's starter and alternator upgrades for Scouts and IH trucks. Isn't it time you added some Mean Green to your IH Red? MG Industries also manufactures other quality items such as heavy-duty clutches, dual battery systems, and more. MG starters have a two-year unconditional warranty. If you would like more information, or to order a Mean Green starter for your Jeep, contact MG Industries, Dept. Jp, Post Office Drawer 336, Laughlintown, PA 15655; (412)238-7319, FAX (412) 238-7476. MG Industries, Inc. 3 Imaging Lane Derry, PA 15627 P: (724) 694-8290 • F: (724) 694-8292 info@mean-green.com