I own a 1990 Firebird Formula with the stock 305. I have been having starter problems for the past couple of months. I have come to find out that this is a common problem with our cars. It has the 'classic' symptons. It will start fine; I can drive somewhere; leave the car for about 30 minutes; then when I return to the car it will not turn over. I have to wait an additional 15 to 30 minutes and then it will start fine. I have done all of the logical fixes. Replace starter-motor, starter-solenoid, battery & battery cables. I just found out by reading other threads on this subject that the starter-motor is STILL the likely culprit. When I replaced it I bought a new GM replacement. Now, I know I should have bought a 'high-torque mini-starter w/heat shield'.

Finally, to my question. Does anyone have a particular brand or part number that you have had either good or bad luck with. I've already bought one new piece. I'm trying to get as much info as possible before I make another mistake.

Thank You.

 

I have the CVR one with both bolt patterns, don't recall the part #; spins a 400 about 3 times as fast as the stock one was able to spin the 305. I definitely recommend it.

 

I have a Powermaster XP on my engine. I got it after a buddy of mine got one for his 10.5:1 CR 306 motor he had in his 67 mustang that he had starter trouble with. After repacing it with this unit it starts up everytime without a problem. According to the specifications its good up to 14:1 compression.

 

I could be completely wrong, but I hear that this could be related to the car overheating and its a safety feature of the computer to prevent the car from starting. I've had your exact problem a lot of times with my car and it seems that when the engine cools down it starts back up. I may be wrong, but its just my $.02

 

Just replaced my starter in June.My ride is a 91TA with a stock 305.Part #10465097 special order from GM from Edmonton,Alberta.It works just fine.

 

you have to love that heat soak. what happens is that the exhaust that runs right by the starter heats it up and that creates alot more resistance inside the windings of the starter. that makes it alot harder for the current to flow which intern makes the car turn over slowly. what I would do is get a new starter and put a heat sheild on it or maybe wrap the exhaust in some heat tape by the starter you want to keel the starter as cool as you can.

 

My starter started doing this after i installed a set of Hedman headers and y-pipe.I knew i was going to have trouble because the pipe was right up against the starter,i actually had to ding the pipe to get any clearance at all.A home-made heatshield solved the problem.You can also wire in a remote solenoid from a ford to solve this problem ,had one ready,but didn't have to use it.Summit sells a kit with instructions for about 25 bucks.

 

Went through 6 starters , tried wrap,shields,different brands of starters, and the only thing that helped was the remote Selenoid. Been on for 3 years now with no problems at all. Easy to do and it really works.