Starter - Looking for Quality

[TexasMan81]

Hi 4x4 Team, I am finishing my suburban build and I need a starter. The internally balanced 383 engine block on my 78 burb is out of a 1995 truck. The flex plate is 168 tooth. I am looking for a quality starter that will last and not some AutoZone POS. This is a point of pain for me because the old truck used to make this horrendous noise when starting. Even after mechanics had it, it still
did it. I need something that is high quality and reliable. Any advice ya'll can give me would be greatly appreciated!

 

[PrairieDrifter]

I used a like 1997 truck "mini" starter, I think delco. It's just a factory gear reduction starter, they work great. Haven't had an issue, sounds awesome.

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

I used a like 1997 truck "mini" starter, I think delco. It's just a factory gear reduction starter, they work great. Haven't had an issue, sounds awesome.

One thing you definitely want when you get one of the Permanent Magnet Gear Reduction starters (the smaller case starter the later model trucks used) is to have the correct length bolts to install it. When I had to replace the starter on my Crew Cab a year ago, I went to the local Chevy dealership parts department and got them. The correct bolts have a stepped knurling that helps locate the starter to the block.

 

[edgephoto]

Tuff Stuff makes good starters. They are made in USA.

I would go with a gear reduction starter over a direct drive. They are lighter, smaller, make more cranking power and spin the engine faster.

 

[PrairieDrifter]

One thing you definitely want when you get one of the Permanent Magnet Gear Reduction starters (the smaller case starter the later model trucks used) is to have the correct length bolts to install it. When I had to replace the starter on my Crew Cab a year ago, I went to the local Chevy dealership parts department and got them. The correct bolts have a stepped knurling that helps locate the starter to the block.

Yep. Ordered the starter and gm starter bolts from Rockauto.

 

[SquareRoot]

Tuff Stuff makes good starters. They are made in USA.

I would go with a gear reduction starter over a direct drive. They are lighter, smaller, make more cranking power and spin the engine faster.

If it's got gear reduction how does it spin the engine faster?

 

[edgephoto]

Let's say the motor spins at 1000 rpm, then you use gear reduction to reduce it to 300rpm for the engine. By nature of gear reduction you increase torque out of the motor.

A direct drive starter free spins at say 300 rpm but under load it will spin at maybe 200.

All hypothetical numbers. But the end result is your engine cranks faster.

 

[Bloodhound1981]

I've been running this Summit mini starter since 2018. Works great.

Summit Racing SUM-829105 Summit Racing™ Mini High-Torque Starters | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Summit Racing™ Mini High-Torque Starters with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Starters at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

 

[QBuff02]

I also second the summit 829105 high torque mini starter. Have one on a 10.5:1 468 big block and have never had a problem in 5 seasons of use.

 

[legend57]

I have the Powermaster #9612 on multiple Chevy 400 small blocks and they have been very reliable. One source of a "bad sounding starter" is poor gear mesh between the starter and flywheel. Proper bolts are part of the equation, but you also need to check the spacing to make sure the gear mesh is correct. It is not uncommon to have to use a thin spacer. I believe the Powermaster comes with them, just in case you need them. If not, they can provide a set.

 

[Steelbuddha]

I've had good luck with Mean Green starters (mean-green.com). Small profile, very high torque. I had a 1991 truck with a 4.3, and the stock starter was almost too big to fit. It was tight against the exhaust manifold, and would "heat soak," or stop working when heated up. The Mean Green starter made me a big fan. They're expensive but very well made.