thearborbarber
1/2 ton status
I'm tired of the yearly box store reman replacement game. Which one is the go to replacement starter for a 91 5.7tbi. And where should I get it?
Thanks gang.
Thanks gang.
CK5
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Need a starter
- Thread starter thearborbarber
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Summit or Jegs. Step up would be a powermaster. Ultimate would be a tilton, but you better love starters
@500$k5 does starters. Shoot him a PM
A PowerMaster mini high torque is what I have in my 1991 TBI engine. They cost almost the same as an OE starter from a parts store. A mini high torque starter is better than an OE starter because they are a gear reduction starter, and GM/OE starters are not. GM did not go with a gear reduction starter until about the late 90's I think (not positive).
I've seen reference to gear reduction starters on the vortec (sbc) engines in some applications, but I never dug in enough to figure out when that started. I would think there would be plenty of those rigs in the wrecking yard if you wanted used.
I got a pretty well used powermaster and swapped it when the stock (parts store replacement) started to slow down during cranking, and even with a worn down battery and crappy used aluminum battery cable, it cranks over as well or better than any non gear reduction starter I've ever heard.
FWIW, some auto parts stores will let you "upgrade" when you have a failure, and pay the difference between the two items. May not hurt to ask if you've got a lifetime warranty starter.
I got a pretty well used powermaster and swapped it when the stock (parts store replacement) started to slow down during cranking, and even with a worn down battery and crappy used aluminum battery cable, it cranks over as well or better than any non gear reduction starter I've ever heard.
FWIW, some auto parts stores will let you "upgrade" when you have a failure, and pay the difference between the two items. May not hurt to ask if you've got a lifetime warranty starter.
The best bang for the money, is to use the 6449 gm starter. They fit all of the Vortec 4.3, 5.7, and 454 engines '97 to 2000. They are a perm. magnet planetary gear reduction unit. Have to get slightly shorter starter bolts, but other than that, they are a direct bolt on. They have a 3 bolt solenoid, that can be rotated, so it's easier to get to your wires. I sell them brand new, for $145.
The good thing about this starter is that they have the nose cone that helps to keep dirt out of the flexplate/flywheel housing on an off road truck. The other aftermarket mini high torques do not.
I think the ONLY downside really, is the cost vs. the parts store cheapies. $37?? lol. But they are just that, cheapies. Regardless of cost, IMO, the gear reduction starters are worth it for the pros vs. the one con, price.
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vandelay industries
1/2 ton status
Will these also fit small blocks 55-96 also?
I like my stuff to start with the best reliability as possible. It's worth the extra money to me so that I don't have to mess with it for a long time.
Which is why I get my stuff from @500$k5 . His oscilloscope tells him if there is any little problems hiding.
Yes they do. I have 2 early 70s blocks using those.
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Thata a great price. Only reason I don't like permanent mag starters is the high price.
Just don't use the old "smack it with a hammer" trick to get a balky starter to crank if it has permanent magnets..
I got a 1500 lb winch free because someone did that..
Also have had a few free lawn tractors given to me because someone beat on the starter to get it to crank..they dont crank well once the magnets shatter..
..
I got a 1500 lb winch free because someone did that..
Also have had a few free lawn tractors given to me because someone beat on the starter to get it to crank..they dont crank well once the magnets shatter..
..
I like the classic "high torque" starters from yesterdecade made by Delco. They are the ones with the long body that require the spacer for the solenoid. These starters usually outlast the nosecones and solenoids 2-to-1.
Those hi-torque starters need a good high cranking amp battery to get them to crank good,but your right,they do seem to last a lot longer than the "lo-torque" versions..
I wonder if you could put a Delco 27MT diesel starter on a gas engine--I know the starter drive has different tooth count (as does a diesel flywheel),but if the shaft it rides on is the same size ,I bet a gas starter drive would go right on it--the nose looks the same as a gas engine starter..one of those starters could crank over an engine even if it had spun bearings..
That 6449 GM starter looks impressive ,and I like the solenoid design..about time GM stopped relying on 2 bolts that often backed out and fell off to hold the solenoid on,I've had several starters do that over the years..
I wonder if you could put a Delco 27MT diesel starter on a gas engine--I know the starter drive has different tooth count (as does a diesel flywheel),but if the shaft it rides on is the same size ,I bet a gas starter drive would go right on it--the nose looks the same as a gas engine starter..one of those starters could crank over an engine even if it had spun bearings..
That 6449 GM starter looks impressive ,and I like the solenoid design..about time GM stopped relying on 2 bolts that often backed out and fell off to hold the solenoid on,I've had several starters do that over the years..
The old Hi Torque Delco starters were rated at .9 KW, while the 6449 PMGR starters are rated at 1.7 KW. More than twice the cranking power, draw less power, and spin faster. They only have 2 downfalls: 1) you can't fix them with a rock. LOL 2) they have a plastic outer gear in the gear reduction, that can be broken, on a HIGH compression motor, that is prone to kicking back, as in too much timing, etc.
i have both a like new old style and newer gear reduction for 6.2 on my parts pile . i would love to know if they swap over easy or just try and sell them to someone who could use them .
I put a gear reduction starter on my 6.2 off a later 6.5--its a direct swap ,other than you need the little brace up front to go with it (or make one),the brace on the direct drive starter is different..
The diesel spins over much better with the gear reduction starter--especially when you finally put two batteries less than 16+ years old in the truck..
The diesel spins over much better with the gear reduction starter--especially when you finally put two batteries less than 16+ years old in the truck..
ya i got a project coming up this summer with a 6.2 and needs a 12 volt starter swap i think its getting the gear reduction one .
6.5 Gear Reduction, is a great upgrade, for the DD 6.2l !
Chevrolet actually started using the gear reduction starters on the 6.2's I think in 1989, then carried them over onto the 6.5's
Chevrolet actually started using the gear reduction starters on the 6.2's I think in 1989, then carried them over onto the 6.5's
