what are the good and BAD things to watch for on these starters? Only used OEM before, but ready to upgrade starter to something reliable without heat-soak problems. My car's 100% stock (305 lg4, 700r4, & exhaust).

I've had both types... Hitachi starter = very small package, lots of room around the header. One I got came with nice hardware. It's currently what I'm running on the car.
Gear reduction = bigger package, had to clearance header slightly for it to fit even after trying to clock it in different positions.

how does the gear reduction starter compare in size to a stock starter?

Both styles are smaller than stock IIRC.

ok, thanks guys, hitachi = smallest & gear reduction = smaller than oem starter & hitachi probably best for headers

is one of these starter designs generally more trouble-free than the other or is it hard to say?

my setup/use will be for a 100% stock exhaust & engine... guess it'll be my first customization

bump... any opinions on which is a more reliable starter design?

well if its ur first "customization" then i would go with the hitachi since you will probably get headers down the road since most ppl do.

hey guys, yes, if buying new looks like Hitachi is the way to go. Learned that gear reduction was developed by Rolls Royce, then Chrysler. Hitachi continued starter motor improvements & Hitachi design is smaller than a gear reduction start motor. Here is their web site:
http://www.hitachi-hap-la.com/Hi_Per...cer/index.html

here is a great price: http://www.carshopinc.com/product_in...d/27609/PSL100

Buy the GM Denso Hitachi style one that came OE on late C4 Vettes. Good enough for the factory to install on Vettes.
Like this. $80
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-S...spagenameZWDVW

I have a 18 year old one on my new 11:1 383 and it cranks it fine.

I ordered one - 18 years is extremely reliable and the overall price w/ shipping beats a Hitachi.

but gotta admit that Hitachi PSL100 looks awesome...

You will enjoy lifting it with one hand while lying on your back under the car trying to get the bolts started compared to the big arse stock one.

Alright! one thing they said no instructions, shims, or bolts are included. is there anything special to aligning this starter?

You should alway check alignment of starter gear with ring gear on any starter install.
I have never had to shim but in some cases the starter is too close in and needs shimming out to get correct clearance.Too tight and startergear will lock on flexplate and not disengage.

the starter came in, brand new with factory test results all the way from... china. Anyway, it looks great and it is so light that before opening the box I was wondering if they actually put a starter in the box. it's hard for me to imagine an hitachi starter being smaller than this starter. :P

I'm new at this, so please excuse me if I'm in the wrong place. I need a vacuum diagram for a 82 camaro berlinetta. Please, someone help!
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[quote=LadyGreensleevz;3838727]I'm new at this, so please excuse me if I'm in the wrong place. I need a vacuum diagram for a 82 camaro berlinetta. Please, someone help!

Finally found a pic of my Hitachi starter installed. This is with a 168 tooth flexplate. Hope the one you got works out well

For carb car check out diagrams #58 or #67 at http://www.autozone.com/addVehicleId...00c1528005163f

this starter only has 1 large post and 1 small post where original style had 2 small & 1 large post. how should wires be connected to the new starter? Thanks -

ok, mr slow here. finally got starter on. orginal bolts fit. used a whole pack of shims. temporarily moved a battery closer by a couple inches just so positive could reach posts on smaller starter. wiring was very simple as my 87 already was only using two starter posts (large one and "S" to the key). cranked fine original cable is 33.5 inches long & is too short by 2.5 inches. anyone got ideas on who has oem style positive battery cable at least 36" longer with 2 smaller wires, 1 to alternator and 1 to accessories?

thanks for tips and thank God the starter's on!

thought hey why not at look Corvette positive battery cables since that's this that starter I'm uising, but no lengths were listed on ACDelco or other sites. anyone know how long these cables are by ACDelco (for a 1990 Corvette)?

This picture sure looks right but no length mentioned:
ACDelco Part # 2SW56-3SY Application convertable

Other 1990 Corvette cables listed but without length:
ACDelco Part # 2SD56XE application 2-door looks like a generic
ACDelco Part # 2SX40-2 application ZR-1 no picture
ACDelco Part # 2SD40XH application ZR-1 no picture