Has anyone tried one the the mini high torque starters that Summit sells? They are not much more money than rebuilt junk they sell at Advance, AutoZone or Napa. Are they worth a few extra bucks?

 

I used one on my car for years, never had any issues. In fact I still have it and it's going with my motor if anybody ever buys it.

 

I haven't tried them but usually cheap prices are accompanied by a low quality control or a made in China/ Mexico label just like the AutoZone and advance stuff. Like harbor freight some stuff you buy is great and other is hit or miss. If it has a warranty (over 30 days) buy it and try it out.

 

Well, I'm not sure I need a starter now. I just bought a 91 Z28 and sometimes you just hear a clicking noise when you turn the key. Now I'm reading that it may have something to do with the VATS key system not working properly. So I'm in the process of working that out. I think I removed about 25 lbs of aftermarket alarms, remote starters and stereo cable from under the dash last night just trying to get this car to a workable point to diagnose the issue.

 

I'm using this Summit branded starter. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SU...0/?image=large
The black is no longer available but the chrome one is. I have been using it for 2 years no problems. It has lasted longer than the power master starter i had before that but the power master was full size and absorbing to much heat from the headers I think hence a quick failure.
Its hard to say on the Summit branded products. My starter experience was great but the Summit branded throttle body was a P.O.S. until I machined a few bits and pieces of it.

 

get a GMPP starter 12606096.
ya can get them from any GM dealer. will work on a small block or big block.
and ya can put it in your pocket its so light.(under 7 LBS)
ya dont have to play with that aftermarket junk/parts work 100% can crank a 15 to 1 eng over like nothing. (and its made by GM)

http://www.gmperformancemotor.com/me...talog-2014.pdf

page 164

 

What do they get for one of those?

 

the last one i picked up from my GM dealer. i paid $130.
bolt in no shims works 100%

still working going on the new eng as well.

 

I bought a ministarter from Skip White's ebay store. It's from China, but he's been selling the same model for years now. The store is whiteperformance1 on eBay, and I think they're going for $70 shipped.

Mine works great. I did need to add one of the single shims to the block surface, none to the starter case.

 

I'm running one now. It works great! I bought my first one and after a month it went out. But this one has lasted very strong.

The only thing is the shim kit wasn't enough. I had to put a good half inch gap between the block and the starter using washers. But it works great

 

Sounds like you had better luck with GM parts than I did. The first 3 I ordered from GM were DOA and would not pass the basic starter test before I would leave the parts counter with it.

 

I've always ran a brand new (not rebuilt) GM LT4 high-tq mini starter, specifically with the Denso solenoid, not the Bosch ****. It rocks. I'm on my 2nd one in 14years only because my first one was cracked in an accident involving a rock slide on a mountain road :/