Souriau 8STA Connectors

The 8STA is the connector you find on serious motorsport harnesses. It is a miniature circular connector that is light, tough, and built to shrug off the vibration, heat and fluids that kill cheaper plugs. The range comes out of two military specs, MIL-DTL-38999 and JN1003, which is how it ended up everywhere from F1 and WRC to MotoGP and Supercars. You will see it on sensors, ECUs, data logging, power feeds and steering-boss looms.

If you have run Deutsch Autosport before, you already know how an 8STA behaves. They are the same idea built to the same spec, and they cross over across the common shell sizes. We supply genuine 8STA connectors, contacts and the tooling to terminate them, shipped Australia-wide from Melbourne.

Souriau 8STA vs Deutsch Autosport: Are They Compatible?

Short answer: mostly yes, with one trap worth knowing about.

Both ranges are built to the same military specs (MIL-DTL-38999 and JN1003). Across shell sizes 8 to 24 an 8STA plug mates straight onto the matching Autosport receptacle, as long as the shell size, layout and keying line up. That is why you will see both brands sitting on the same loom.

Now the trap. Deutsch’s specialty ranges, the Micro, Mini, Double Density and Heavy Duty, do not play with any Souriau range. So if you are swapping one brand for the other, check the shell size, the insert arrangement and the key before you buy, not after.

Browse our Souriau 8STA range

The 8STA Range Explained

The family runs from a sub-2 cm sensor plug right up to passthroughs thick enough for battery cable. The main variants:

Ultra-Miniature

About the size of a push-pin, and the smallest motorsport connector going. Runs #26 contacts good for 3 A, with a positive lock and a coloured tab so you can see at a glance it is locked. Two layouts. This is what you reach for when there is no room for anything bigger.

Miniature

Shell sizes 2 to 6, running #26 and #22 contacts. Sensors and light signal work.

Standard

The one you will use most. Shell sizes 8 to 24 with a huge spread of layouts. Bread and butter for ECU, dash and main harness work.

Power Contacts

For when you need to push real current. Uses the bigger #8 and #4 contacts, with the #4 made in three sizes to suit 16, 25 and 35 mm² cable. Battery, alternator, starter, KERS, that sort of job.

High Density

Crams as many #26 contacts into the shell as it will take. For when you have a lot of channels and not a lot of room.

Hermetic & Fuel-Immersible

The hermetic versions are glass-sealed so nothing passes through, even unmated, which makes them right for fuel and bulkhead jobs. The fuel-immersible ones will sit in fuel full-time without complaint.

How to Read a Souriau 8STA Part Number

Learn to read the part number and ordering gets a lot easier. Take 8STA0-04-35SN:

Not every shell size comes in every layout or material, and the style and key codes shift around, so treat this as a map rather than gospel. Check the final number against the Souriau catalogue, or send it to us and we will confirm it.

Connector Styles and Dimensions

The 8STA comes in several body styles to suit how it mounts: plugs, in-line receptacles, flange and jam-nut receptacles, and wall-mount versions. Click any drawing to open it full size.

8STA Shell Sizes and Insert Arrangements

Shells run from 01, the tiny one, up to 24. The bigger the shell, the more contacts it holds, and most sizes come in several insert arrangements. Click any diagram to open it full size.

Shell size 01

Shell size 02

Shell size 06

Shell size 08

Shell size 10

Shell size 12

Shell size 14

Shell size 16

Shell size 18

Shell size 20

Shell size 22

Shell size 24

Contacts & Current Ratings

Contacts come in a spread of sizes. Quick reference:

Contacts are not fitted to the housing, you crimp them in yourself, so you will need the right tool (below). Always check the rating for your exact contact and wire size against the datasheet.

Crimp Tooling

Every contact size has a crimp tool and positioner that goes with it. Use the wrong one and the crimp lets go later, usually at the worst possible time. Rough guide: #26 and #22 sit in the AFM8 (M22520/2-01) with the right positioner, and the bigger contacts move up to the AF8 (M22520/1-01) and dedicated power tooling.

See our crimp tooling and positioners

8STA to Deutsch Autosport Cross-Reference

After “are they compatible”, the next thing people look up is the equivalent part number. This table lines up the common 8STA contacts with their Deutsch Autosport and MIL-spec equivalents.

These are the contacts that cross between the 8STA and Autosport systems. Sizes 26, 8 and 4 are 8STA part numbers only, and Autosport sizes 24 and 23 have no direct 8STA crossover. Always confirm a part number against the current Eaton/Souriau and TE Deutsch catalogues before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Souriau 8STA and Deutsch Autosport interchangeable?

Across shell sizes 8 to 24, yes. They share the MIL-DTL-38999 / JN1003 spec, so they mate when shell size, layout and keying match. The exception is Deutsch’s Micro, Mini, Double Density and Heavy Duty ranges, which will not mate with Souriau.

What is the smallest 8STA connector?

The ultra-miniature, shell size 01. It is about push-pin size, under 2 cm long, and holds three #26 contacts. As far as we know it is the smallest motorsport connector you can buy.

What are 8STA connectors used for?

Sensors, ECUs, data logging, power distribution, steering-boss systems, even inside fuel tanks. Anywhere a car needs a small, light connection that will not shake loose or leak.

Who makes Souriau 8STA connectors?

Souriau, now part of Eaton (Souriau-Sunbank). The 8STA is their motorsport circular range.

Do you ship Souriau 8STA connectors across Australia?

Yes, Australia-wide from Melbourne (Altona Meadows). Stock lands August 2026, kept on the shelf and available to order.

Can you help me identify the connector I need?

Yes. Send the part number, a photo, or just tell us what it is going on, and we will sort the right connector, contacts and tooling. Call 0458 102 134 or email 12voltmotorsports@gmail.com.