Starter issues...

[cuda72777]

I am having issues with my starter again. The one I have is a stock style replacement. I have read that some people have switched to an lt1 mini starter. Does anyone recommend a particular mini starter? Is anyone having issues with their mini starters? I want to change to a new starter before I leave to go to Indy early Thursday morning.

Thanks,
Rob

 

[Nick Wise]

I am running the same one that Jason said he had gotten for his. Can't remember the companies name but it was the cheapest I found. So far so good. Even came with the correct bolts and only cost about $60. I can try to find the website when I get home or maybe he will chime in and let you know.

 

[WS6]

I've got an LT1 starter and it works fine and I got it from one of the TB vendors,but...It has been to the repair shop twice with solenoid problem and then a broken stud of the housing. It cranks just fine but I wouldn't buy it for a daily driver.

I think they are cheaply built chinese stuff but we get what we pay for.

 

[PontiacAl]

I also purchased a mini starter from one of the TB vendors. So far it has started the car, but I haven't used it much. It is made in China, and the build quality is mediocre at best. It looks ok, but I can tell you that some of the gears inside are made of plastic. Maybe that is ok too, but the insides didn't look very stout to be cranking a motor (yes, I had to take a look inside before I installed it). The gear that engages the ring gear looked a bit rough and somewhat crude. So it does work but wasn't too impressive.
Also, the description claimed that no shims were necessary, but when I installed mine the starter gear and ring gear were barely meshed. I filed a fair amount off the starter housing to get the gears to mesh more. If you get one it may be a good idea to check the gear mesh even if they say it isn't necessary.
I'm considering getting an actual GM LT1 starter in the hope that the build quality is better.