Gear Reduction Starter, anyone use this?

[Michel73]

The starter on my 73 (350) is bad and I'm thinking about getting a Gear Reduction Starter Does anyone have any experience with these starters???

Thanks,

Michel

 

[iron cross]

Over priced and of poor quality. If your a drag racer and weight is a problem then it would be OK as long as you had a spare. If you really need a starter and looking for a high quality factory style, go to http://www.nitroalley.net They specialize in Starters and alternators.

 

[billybob]

Michel73,

I picked up one last year, as to overpriced... perhaps, as to poor quality, I say you get what you pay for.

I picked mine up from summit racing and have yet to have a single problem with it, its smaller, lighter and most definitely doesnt suffer from the same heat soak and the original style.

Did I mention that its smaller, no header clearence issues.

Bill

 

[iron cross]

NO good starters have a heat problem! Every starter installed on any engine gets to nearly engine temperature. A few GM starters did come with a shield for the starter mounted switch. Most also come with a rear mounting stud for a bracket mounting directly to the engine to keep them from moving. Both of these items are normally removed and never replaced as required. Too much trouble to do the job correctly. I do agree that some inexpensive headers do have clearance problems. But your correct, you get what you pay for. Quality parts are never cheap, only junk is cheap and require the so called constant lifetime re-warrantees. I would only ask, who`s life?

 

[AKRAY4PLAY]

Michel,
i am running a high torque mini-starter on my 406. it works great and is less prone to gear reduction failure and the heat issues of full sized starters. besides, it is only $20 more than a full size starter and a "TON" easier to hold in place when installing do to the major weight reduction. wiring is also easier from all the extra room. they are a great investment, Brian

 

[DR.68]

No problems so far with mine.
I'm glad I did it.

 

[robert kirk]

I've used them for years. Never had a problem. Less weight, smaller size helps with header clearance, a good choice. I have used summit starters and they seem to be of excellant quality. The starter on my 71 bb is a gear reduction starter from summit. For the money a pretty good choice. robert

 

[69MyWay]

I have had mixed results.

I put a mini starter on my V8 Fiero project. It worked great at first, but died quick. Come to find out, rain, water, etc, would run off the deck next to the rear window and drip on it.

So, I pulled it out, cleaned the corrosion, sealed it with RTV on all mating surfaces, reinstalled, and never another lick of trouble.

My buddy that bought my old 85 383 Vette put a G.M. authorized mini starter (see it in the GM performance book). He had to get it rebuilt twice in less than 5,000 miles.

The really awesome ones are on the late L98, and LT1 engines. The 1989-96 Vette has this super cool high quality gear reduction ministarter made in Japan. It kicks! They sound super tight and smooth starting as well......you have all heard a late C4 start...right?

If I had my choice on a small block, I would go get one of those...making sure the flywheel was the right diameter to match.

I have a mini on my big block right now. It is okay...nothing really to brag about, and it cost about $140. Small, light weight, quick starts. It is a win, win.