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Starter replacement options?

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Old Oct 5, 2016 | 10:10 AM
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Default Starter replacement options?

I'm replacing a bad starter and solenoid on my stock 1986 Z51 coupe. It looks like the generic replacement is a AC Delco model. Is there any reason to find/buy a better or heavy duty starter for my stock application?
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Old Oct 5, 2016 | 10:20 AM
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Originally Posted by C4Mike3758
I'm replacing a bad starter and solenoid on my stock 1986 Z51 coupe. It looks like the generic replacement is a AC Delco model. Is there any reason to find/buy a better or heavy duty starter for my stock application?
If your starter is a confirmed OE/GM original I believe I'd just have yours rebuilt/repaired/tuned-up(call it what you like) and not buy any "off the shelf" from anyone.

Is your starter removed yet? An OE/GM should likely easily be id'd as a 1998557.
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Old Oct 5, 2016 | 10:34 AM
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Rebuild the one you have.
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Old Oct 5, 2016 | 11:06 AM
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Depends on what's wrong with your starter. Many times starter can be repaired with new solenoid, " bendix" or starter drive,brushes and bushing, and polishing armature. If I was to replace starter I would want either a permanent magnet or "light weight" starter GM started using in the 90's or an older HD unit. The older HD units have larger field coils and use a copper tube between solenoid and terminal for field coil. On the light duty starter, solenoid bolts directly to field terminal. I would stay away for super cheap starters many times their quality is hit and miss. You may got through a few of them before you get one that lasts. Remember to install little support bracket on end of starter. It keeps starter from torqueing and binding in flywheel.
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Old Oct 5, 2016 | 09:36 PM
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I installed a gear reduction smaller starter. The starter is half the weight and easy to install. I do have engine work done with a higher compression. My car does start much better than the stock one.
Just my experience.
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Old Oct 6, 2016 | 01:28 AM
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A high torque mini starter would be nice. You can index it for headers. Easier to R&R
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Old Oct 6, 2016 | 06:27 AM
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if you decide to rebuild your own, here's a source for parts -

http://www.aspwholesale.com/index.php

if you decide to go OE replacement, I have purchased one of these in the past. new, AC Delco - no issues, no funny noises - pretty much plug and play. about $85.

ACDelco 337-1015

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Old Oct 6, 2016 | 08:14 AM
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I thought about a gear reduction starter. I even bought one. I just never installed it. I went with a NAPA starter.

If your car is original then I would have the starter rebuilt.

If the starter in my '58 goes bad it will be rebuilt. My '85 is so far from original it just doesn't matter.



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