Starter Motor Preferences

[Matt G]

I've finally fried my big old Starter motor.  Is there a starter motor available for a 350 manual that's looks sexy, doesn't suffer heat issues, and is an absolute no brained choice for my replacement?  I need something with some grunt to kick the beast into gear (assume a slightly advanced, advanced timing to get you thinking in the right torque range...).

[Vettech]

Recently replaced SM on 87 C4 350, pretty std car.

Went to ROCKET Industries.

Chose to go for a Reduction Gear Starter.

Sorry I cant remember the brand, but there are quite a few out there.

The reduction type turns it over like its on steroids. Starts in a flash.

[77CVT]

I got one from AT Racing World a couple of years ago. http://atracingworld.com/catalogsearch/result/?cat=0&q=PCE393

It was either the PCE393.1001 or .1008

[bfit]

mmm starter motors .
First start with the cables
I think a good deal of starter problems start with the cables.
The oringal cables are no,where near what they should be .

As for what brand starter pick a known company that has a real warranty program
Bfit

[Vettech]

Your quiet right Bfit, good cables as short as possible, good ends (I solder/crimp mine), earth right to the SM mounting bolt.
Older style SM's will oval out the nose bush, cold start fine, but with heat/expansion they bind and struggle when the donk is hot.

Reduction gear starters are smaller, lighter, use less power, spin up the engine with a vengence.
Being smaller, by default, you may get better manifold clearance.

If possible fit highly polished, thin Stainless Steel heat shield, in preference to lagging or coats.

Spray the battery terminals with "Lanolin spray"  - VERY very light coat after fitting terminals.
Only on the posts, the battery top should be clean and dry.
Hope some of this helps.

Oh, I've used fine wire welding lead for the major + and - leads.

[Matt G]

Thanks guys. I'll check the wires. When I fizzled my existing SM, I got it so hot that I melted the existing solder... I'm not too proud to admit that, but it proves the wiring point!

[bfit]

I  like to use AWG 3/0 cable its about 85 mm²
over kill yes , give you problems No
If you want to make up a set of jumper leads use 4/0 cable and descent clamps.
Bfit

[gtc]

Go the gear reduction route -- you'll be glad you did.

But as Bfit says, buy a from a reputable dealer.

I put a CVR Protorque on my 454 years ago and haven't looked back.

[Matt G]

Hey guys, just thought that I'd close this out. I got a MSD Dynaforce from Rocket. Blooody 'ell. Awesome!!

[sirfixalot]

Just saw this thread & have to ask the question what is sexy about the starter?

[Matt G]

Isn't everything that grinds, purrs, or turns-on a robust fuel guzzling unit "sexy"???