87 Starter Replacement Advice
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: New York New York
87 Starter Replacement Advice
I need to swap out my starter for a new one and I want to know if it is easy enough as a DIY job with ramps or should I have it done at a shop?
Also, which starter is recommended, OEM?
Also, which starter is recommended, OEM?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
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It's easier than changing spark plugs. I can't remember for sure, but I know later years (including my '89) use a smaller Toyota starter that's easier to mount and more reliable on the road. Most will recommend the use of the smaller starter -- especially if you ever plan to install headers.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Merritt Ils Fl
Mini starter absolutely. More $$ up front but far less trouble in the future. You should be able to do the swap on ramps. Just: insure battery is disconnected, attaching bolts for mini are correct length, all wires are replaced exactly as they were removed. Present starter is heavy, snaking out between the exhaust and transmission lines can be a challenge but doable.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: New York New York
Mini starter absolutely. More $$ up front but far less trouble in the future. You should be able to do the swap on ramps. Just: insure battery is disconnected, attaching bolts for mini are correct length, all wires are replaced exactly as they were removed. Present starter is heavy, snaking out between the exhaust and transmission lines can be a challenge but doable.
These wires you talk about, which wires are you referring to? the ones attached to the starter?
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: New York New York
I found a link to these mini starters at corvettefever.com here http://www.corvettefever.com/techart...ers/index.html
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Merritt Ils Fl
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It's easier than changing spark plugs. I can't remember for sure, but I know later years (including my '89) use a smaller Toyota starter that's easier to mount and more reliable on the road. Most will recommend the use of the smaller starter -- especially if you ever plan to install headers.
this sounds like a neat fix, witch toyota starter did you use?
Race Director
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From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
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I believe the OEM starters were also made for/by Toyota. I'm not suggesting you convert to another starter originally installed in some Toyota.
When you buy a starter, just tell the parts counter your model year is 89, 90, or 91. You should get the smaller one I (we) are referring to. They are around $100 IIRC.
At first glance, the link in post #7 (above) may explain the history, but I haven't read it (yet).
When you buy a starter, just tell the parts counter your model year is 89, 90, or 91. You should get the smaller one I (we) are referring to. They are around $100 IIRC.
At first glance, the link in post #7 (above) may explain the history, but I haven't read it (yet).
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Le Mans Master
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From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
I was going to put a smaller starter in my 86, but it was a big hassle with the too short positive cable.
So I took the old one apart and fixed it.
So I took the old one apart and fixed it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 849
Likes: 0
From: Woodland California
I replaced minre in my 1990 today.
It was a 30 minute job.
I wanted to put a mini starter in but chickened out.
I found these guys on flee bay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SBC-B...Q5fAccessories
They sell mainly to circle track racers and can not cross ref. parts.
But the prices are real good.
I did buy a set of self adjusting roller tip rocker arms from them.
Saved a bunch of $$$$
Ralph
It was a 30 minute job.
I wanted to put a mini starter in but chickened out.
I found these guys on flee bay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SBC-B...Q5fAccessories
They sell mainly to circle track racers and can not cross ref. parts.
But the prices are real good.
I did buy a set of self adjusting roller tip rocker arms from them.
Saved a bunch of $$$$
Ralph
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,815
Likes: 10
From: New York New York
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,815
Likes: 10
From: New York New York
I replaced minre in my 1990 today.
It was a 30 minute job.
I wanted to put a mini starter in but chickened out.
I found these guys on flee bay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SBC-B...Q5fAccessories
They sell mainly to circle track racers and can not cross ref. parts.
But the prices are real good.
I did buy a set of self adjusting roller tip rocker arms from them.
Saved a bunch of $$$$
Ralph
It was a 30 minute job.
I wanted to put a mini starter in but chickened out.
I found these guys on flee bay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SBC-B...Q5fAccessories
They sell mainly to circle track racers and can not cross ref. parts.
But the prices are real good.
I did buy a set of self adjusting roller tip rocker arms from them.
Saved a bunch of $$$$
Ralph
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,448
Likes: 27
From: Valparaiso
Check this Accel ones :
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ACC-05000/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ACC-05005/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ACC-05000/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ACC-05005/