C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Help shopping for a high compression starter

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Old May 8, 2025 | 09:08 PM
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Default Help shopping for a high compression starter

Im looking at this one: https://www.topflightautomotive.com/...ction-starter/
Is this any good? Is it going to fit as advertised? I have a custom exhaust so my headers are far out of the way of the starter, fortunately. If that product isn't any good, could someone direct me to a better starter? Im unsure of my compression ratio but I do have a high compression engine
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Old May 8, 2025 | 11:15 PM
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L98 or LT1? The original LT1 high torque geared Hitachi starters are great. For the LT1 manual trans car you need it because it is the only starter that fits with the Magnesium bellhousing... and you can usually use it for the L98 as it tucks up and out of the way, I have in the past on the 1986... for the L98 generally you can use most compact gear starters available from Summit, Powernmaster makes some decent ones, as the full size ones are ridiculously heavy.
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Old May 9, 2025 | 12:48 AM
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Originally Posted by AZSP33D
L98 or LT1? The original LT1 high torque geared Hitachi starters are great. For the LT1 manual trans car you need it because it is the only starter that fits with the Magnesium bellhousing... and you can usually use it for the L98 as it tucks up and out of the way, I have in the past on the 1986... for the L98 generally you can use most compact gear starters available from Summit, Powernmaster makes some decent ones, as the full size ones are ridiculously heavy.
I believe you actually meant the OE/GM 'denso(Nippendenso) that was OE/GM 1988 forward. There's plenty available and I believe at substantially less $$ than the one the OP linked to. If you wanted 'denso for an L98 use 10455702 to research and if LT1 maybe use 10455709 for your research. If you're patient and could find an OE original of either a rebuild of the 'denso is pretty straight forward. I wouldn't suggest 'off the shelf' rebuilds. The label on an original 'denso would have much information, the OE GM and also a 'denso model number. An L98 likely 128000-4950/4951 and 'Made in Japan' if original. An LT1/4 likely 128000-8111.

Be careful there are China product 'new' that are maybe questionable.
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Old May 9, 2025 | 07:54 AM
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Yes be careful of "new" Ch***a products. I recently purchased one from Rock Auto and the mounting holes had a larger diameter than the mounting bolts and were not parallel to the mounting face. Sent it back and rebuilt the original solenoid. 96 LT4.
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Old May 9, 2025 | 05:54 PM
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@AZSP33D @WVZR-1 @pltmgr I have an L98, 1987 with the usual automatic 700r4. I dont think it matters too much but the transmission is built aswell as the motor. Thanks for the input by the way, and to clarify, the one I have linked is mid quality for high price? I am still inexperienced with anything starter related so I will do more research
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Old May 9, 2025 | 05:57 PM
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I will add that my current situation is that my starter went out, made scraping noises and the case cracked. I got a replacement from AutoZone (high torque, NOT high compression) and the teeth got stripped on the first attempt starting the car ;( my vette is currently on jackstands/ramps with a car cover, and is only waiting a starter to complete the project. I do plan on selling it as I want a C5, so I don't necessarily need the highest priced and quality, just something that will do the job for the time being but will last longer than a few weeks
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Old May 9, 2025 | 06:41 PM
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You're located where? If someone near you was selling an OE 'denso reasonably I would probably buy that vs some of the 'off the shelf' remans. You want to make sure you have correct mounting hardware and that you properly shim it when installing. All starter bolts should have a knurled finish. Incorrect hardware maybe contributed to your current failure. Do your current starter bolts have a knurled shoulder?

Research correct starter mounting and shimming procedure.

*** Did AutoZone offer a replacement of what you bought? What actual part number did you buy? I would think AutoZone should be able to help you.
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Old May 9, 2025 | 07:44 PM
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Im located in upstate south carolina, my starter is installed with only one shimming plate when I took it out, my replacement starter was 1 to 1 identical looking to the one that came out my car, so I just used 1 new shimming plate. My starter bolts are knurled I believe at the tips of the shoulders. I purchased the wrong starter since it really isn't meant for any more compression than standard with a stock motor, but you could be right that I didn't install it properly because it should have at least worked a few times before going out. I def will take that advice of shimming it properly and making sure it has a good connection with the flex plate when I install my new one. Autozone can get me a refund though so it will be fine. The stock number on the part is DL3570MS Duralast starter. Ill look around for a 'denso both locally and online. Any other advice I should know?
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Old May 10, 2025 | 10:32 PM
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I cannot find any starters that would fit my car or be gear reduction/high compression from what you recommended. perhaps is there a more detailed version of what you described? I'm hesitant on buying the one I have linked
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Old May 10, 2025 | 11:48 PM
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Originally Posted by slickc4rvette
I cannot find any starters that would fit my car or be gear reduction/high compression from what you recommended. perhaps is there a more detailed version of what you described? I'm hesitant on buying the one I have linked
The only potential issue I see if substituting a 'denso OE starter to an '87 or earlier is maybe the length of the positive cable.

I used Autozone and inquired 10455702 and it returned 2 choices, a 17008 Duralast SKU# 5797 w/limited lifetime and since you have a defective already maybe they would extend you a deal. The other a Powermaster 9100 SKU# 1407012. I'm not promoting the purchase of either but the 17008 is a later 'denso style and might need to consider positive cable length. The other cable length likely NOT an issue. You mentioned selling the car so both could be potential solutions and a day or two away. I doubt either would be on the shelf.

The Powermater 9100 is sold by many vendors and actually is choice many have used in the past. I have no idea!
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Old May 11, 2025 | 12:02 AM
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I have the same starter that you linked, but on a 1986, and ARH headers, and Quicktime SBC bellhousing, fit's perfect.

Here it is a lot cheaper BTW:

https://amzn.to/43fG9CN
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