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The high compression 383 (w/HEI distributor) is taking a toll on the NOS starter/solenoid, and I'm considering one of the new lighter starters out there.
Gear Reduction Ratios: What exactly are these numbers comparing, and what ratios might be considered "better" for higher torque and lower amperage draw?
In the Summit Racing catalog they have a chart for starters based on compression. Online some of them have a "maximum compression ratio" recommendation.
So, while I don't have an explanation on the technical aspect of the gear reduction, I would use the above method for choosing a new one.
I took a chance, ordered a Powermaster from Summit. Had to get the staggered bolt mount, because this 383 has a '76 C-10 4-bolt main block. Reviews mentioned it worked well with stroker applications. Guess we'll find out.
I took a chance, ordered a Powermaster from Summit. Had to get the staggered bolt mount, because this 383 has a '76 C-10 4-bolt main block. Reviews mentioned it worked well with stroker applications. Guess we'll find out.
Steve
Powermaster is the only manufacturer to rate all their starters by output torque specs which is what you really care about. Everybody else uses mumbo jumbo like kW, HP, amps, gear reduction ratio, etc.
The starter you got is based on the Hitachi Super-Lite starter and is rated at 160 ft.-lbs. of torque. Summit's notes state, "Not for use with high compression engines. This starter is designed for engines using stock timing advance curves."
Might be a little weak for your high compression 383.
Powermaster is the only manufacturer to rate all their starters by output torque specs which is what you really care about. Everybody else uses mumbo jumbo like kW, HP, amps, gear reduction ratio, etc.
The starter you got is based on the Hitachi Super-Lite starter and is rated at 160 ft.-lbs. of torque. Summit's notes state, "Not for use with high compression engines. This starter is designed for engines using stock timing advance curves."
Might be a little weak for your high compression 383.
Ya know, I did read that Kid,
Which gave me an urge to pause some.
I also thought it wise to look at the reviews from the product's previous buyers, and a few who had 383s said it turned them alright.
I do think it's a test of time though. For in the beginning, a starter right out of the box will never be stronger. Right? And depending on piston and cylinder head design, compressions between 383s can vary too. Mine's calculated to be around 11:1, so....... we'll find out how strong this guy is and how it holds up to my stroker.
Good article on starters here. It explains why torque ratings are the best for starters as opposed to HP and Kw rating.
From the article, "Kilowatt rating is how all electric motors are measured. The higher the kW output, the more power the motor has. That doesn't always mean that the higher the kilowatt rating, the more powerful the starter is since gear reduction is going to manipulate the end result. For instance, Powermaster's UltraTorque High Speed starter is designed for alcohol engines or engines running magnetos that need faster cranking. It has a 2.2kw rating and 3.0 hp, but is only recommend for engines with up to 15:1 compression. By comparison, the Powermaster XS Torque uses a 1.4kw, 1.8hp motor…but can crank engines with up to 18:1 compression. The different gear ratios (3.75:1 for the High Speed and 4.4:1 for the XS Torque) manipulate the power produced through the drive gear."
Good article on starters here. It explains why torque ratings are the best for starters as opposed to HP and Kw rating.
From the article, "Kilowatt rating is how all electric motors are measured. The higher the kW output, the more power the motor has. That doesn't always mean that the higher the kilowatt rating, the more powerful the starter is since gear reduction is going to manipulate the end result. For instance, Powermaster's UltraTorque High Speed starter is designed for alcohol engines or engines running magnetos that need faster cranking. It has a 2.2kw rating and 3.0 hp, but is only recommend for engines with up to 15:1 compression. By comparison, the Powermaster XS Torque uses a 1.4kw, 1.8hp motor…but can crank engines with up to 18:1 compression. The different gear ratios (3.75:1 for the High Speed and 4.4:1 for the XS Torque) manipulate the power produced through the drive gear."
Very good article my friend. Thanks!
Now I'm taking a close inspection of BOTH Battery Cables too.
Now I'm taking a close inspection of BOTH Battery Cables too.
Steve
Good idea.
Is the battery new?
My old battery (cheap version, but with a high cranking amp spec.) would start it but if I cranked it for a long time, like when filling up the carb bowls after changing jets, the voltage would drop below where the MSD ignition box cuts out.
I replaced the battery with an expensive, good quality one and it made a huge difference in cranking speed.
12-13-2015, 07:43 AM
High-Torque Starter Question
