Replacement Starter Motor For 87
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 2
From: Perth Western Australia
St. Jude Donor '10
Replacement Starter Motor For 87
My OEM AC Delco starter motor died on me last night. I went to the local speed shop this morning and they sold me a torque reduction starter from Canada (CVR 5323) which apparently is supposed to be for an early small block chev.
I have had a bit of a go at seeing whether it fits but haven't managed to get it in. The gear sticks out of an awkard square mounting block which seems to get in the way too. Bolt holes seem to line up. My LT headers are making it very awkward to see what's going on too.
Anyone know whether this should work or do I have to get a special L98 one?
I have had a bit of a go at seeing whether it fits but haven't managed to get it in. The gear sticks out of an awkard square mounting block which seems to get in the way too. Bolt holes seem to line up. My LT headers are making it very awkward to see what's going on too.
Anyone know whether this should work or do I have to get a special L98 one?
Last edited by Lemme; Oct 8, 2010 at 02:12 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
So what is wrong with the correct GM starter? What is wrong with an auto electrical shop repairing your failed starter? (Yes, I know, it isn't an Aussy starter, therefore no easy parts availability).
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 2
From: Perth Western Australia
St. Jude Donor '10
Disconnected the starter motor this morning and sure enough the short was gone and I was able to reconnect the battery and put my ragtop back up (couldn't open the back without battery volts last night).
As I am about to head to the dragstrip this summer I don't want any starting problems. These new design starters are lighter, higher torque and give more header clearance than the original I understand. Also my cranking pressures are up since my heads were shaved so the extra torque is required. Doubt if the GM replacement would be available in Australia and I want the car back on the road quick.
Repairing things in Australia generally is as expensive or more than buying new. Labour rates are sky high with all the mining activity.
Last edited by Lemme; Oct 8, 2010 at 02:17 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,050
Likes: 147
From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
The mini starter has more torque than your original. The starter has 2 sets of holes. one for the 11 inch clutch flywheel, and one set for the autos and the 10 inch clutch.
THe starter solenoid may be able to be clocked away from the headers, angled towards the block for eliminating heat soak by the headers.
They work just fine, especially on high compression engines.
THe starter solenoid may be able to be clocked away from the headers, angled towards the block for eliminating heat soak by the headers.
They work just fine, especially on high compression engines.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 2
From: Perth Western Australia
St. Jude Donor '10
The mini starter has more torque than your original. The starter has 2 sets of holes. one for the 11 inch clutch flywheel, and one set for the autos and the 10 inch clutch.
THe starter solenoid may be able to be clocked away from the headers, angled towards the block for eliminating heat soak by the headers.
They work just fine, especially on high compression engines.
THe starter solenoid may be able to be clocked away from the headers, angled towards the block for eliminating heat soak by the headers.
They work just fine, especially on high compression engines.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 2
From: Perth Western Australia
St. Jude Donor '10
After an hour or so trying to get it installed I have concluded it doesn't fit. A notch has been taken out of the mounting block to clear the oil pan but it appears it still doesn't clear it. I suppose I am going to have to file off some more metal on that corner to clear the lip of the oil pan.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 2
From: Perth Western Australia
St. Jude Donor '10
I have taken out my trusty hacksaw and cut off a bit more of the corner. Actually got it to bolt up finally. Header didn't have to be removed but certainly didn't help proceedings.
The next tricky bit is to check for correct clearance between the fly wheel and the starter gear. Needs about 30 - 60 thou. If I don't have the correct clearance it will have to come out and I will have to use the shims provided to get correct clearance.
Not one of my favourite jobs thats for sure.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
Same starter was used on GM products sold new here from '55- mid '60's and on the Chev V8 engines fitted to the local GM product (Holden who made the "new " GTO )
Nothing locally came with the small Denso starter fitted to the late C4's
Last edited by rodj; Oct 8, 2010 at 08:22 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 413
From: WV
When you finally do get a starter that fits, do yourself a big favor and get either a heat shield or buy some of the thermal wrap and put it around your starter..When you have headers, using the thermal shield or wrap is all that will save your starter..Trust Me On This..
..WW
..WW
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 2
From: Perth Western Australia
St. Jude Donor '10
When you finally do get a starter that fits, do yourself a big favor and get either a heat shield or buy some of the thermal wrap and put it around your starter..When you have headers, using the thermal shield or wrap is all that will save your starter..Trust Me On This....WW
..WW
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Yucaipa CA
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 2
From: Perth Western Australia
St. Jude Donor '10
I don't think the ambient temp was the primary problem. Never had a starter problem till I put the LT headers in. Got through last summer fine. With headers installed a month ago (winter) it didn't even get through spring. This is to be expected. I have wrapped the header adjacent to the starter.
Last edited by Lemme; Oct 8, 2010 at 10:31 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 413
From: WV
I don't think the ambient temp was the primary problem. Never had a starter problem till I put the LT headers in. Got through last summer fine. With headers installed a month ago (winter) it didn't even get through spring. This is to be expected. I have wrapped the header adjacent to the starter.
.I shot my headers with a temp gun and it was 500+ degrees where the tubes meet.WW
Last edited by WW7; Oct 8, 2010 at 10:41 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,689
Likes: 4
From: Yucaipa CA
I don't think the ambient temp was the primary problem. Never had a starter problem till I put the LT headers in. Got through last summer fine. With headers installed a month ago (winter) it didn't even get through spring. This is to be expected. I have wrapped the header adjacent to the starter.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 2
From: Perth Western Australia
St. Jude Donor '10
.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 2
From: Perth Western Australia
St. Jude Donor '10
I don't have any regrets getting that boat anchor out. I think it gets really hot when the motor is switched off. I think it would be better to let the car idle for 5 minutes before switching off to let it cool down. The hood design doesn't help. May be worth putting in some louvres in the top of the hood to let the heat out.