RAD5

I decided it was time to upgrade my starter on my 89 Formula 350. I was tired of the original big *** heavy direct drive starter that would make me wait after an hour of driving due to heat soak. Living in central FL with a lot of traffic and 98 degree heat it was time to get rid of that thing. I knew I wanted a mini style starter, but I did not want to pay big $$ for a good starter from Summit or Jeg’s. Not to mention that if it took a dump, it would be a pain having to ship it back to get it covered under warranty; if there was a warranty. I also did not want to add the start solenoid mod. I drive a GM for a reason and I did not want to add any Ford parts. Besides, real estate is at a premium under the hood even if it’s just a small solenoid. I knew there had to be some other alternative. So here is what I did…..

I researched the boards here at Third Gen and learned the pretty much any starter off a 5.7 liter car will work…4th Gen LT1s, Corvettes, LT4s, etc. It’s amazing the amount of info you can find here if you take the time and look.

I decided to use a starter off s 1992-1996 Corvette GM part # 10455709

I called around and found one for $152.14 new (no core) with a lifetime warranty!

I installed it and it fits perfect! No modifications, no shims, same mounting bolts. However I did have to unclip the positive cable to give me an inch or so more wire due to the shorter length of the starter.

I hit the key and it cranks right over like a champ!

Here’s what I came up with…..

Advantages:

Lighter weight!
Direct fit!
More cranking power!
Draws less amperage on the battery!
Does not drain the battery quickly if by some chance the car does not start right away!
Easier to install and remove!
Cheap!
Lifetime warranty at a parts store that’s 5 min. away!
No need to worry about heat soak!!!!

Disadvantages:

Sounds like a Mopar when starting.


So there it is, take it or leave it. (Actual results may vary)

RAD5

As you can see, there is a big difference in size.

RAD5

Here is where I had to unclip the positive lead so it would reach. This had to be done because of the shorter starter length. I will eventually install a new positive cable that is longer and reinstall it back into this clip, but zip ties work good for now.

RAD5

Here it is installed.

Gramps

iTrader: (1)

i guess my post got deleted, or the server had a glitch and the mods are slow to fix it

in any case, do you have a soundbyte of it starting, the last thing i want is my awesome GM soundin like a mopar.

RAD5

No soundbyte, it sounds different because of the gear reduction and the starter operates at a different speed. I wouldn't let the sound stop you from upgrading. The Mopar sound is the only thing I could think of to describe the sound.

Gramps

iTrader: (1)

oh...lol i hate mopar, perhaps ill have to find a corvette starting up to correctly hear the sound it makes.