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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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Starter replacement options?
