The mechanic working on my car took the starter to his "guy" to be rebuilt. Why would he do this instead of buying a NEW one.
is there some advantage, the last I checked buying a new starter was not that expensive?

 

It's a bit cheaper which means the machanic can put more of your money straight into his own pocket... If it's rebuilt right it'll last just as long as a new one anyway, so I wouldn't really worry about it too much.

 

What sort of warranty are you getting?
Andy is right about a rebuilt starter lasting as long as an original if it is done right, but a lot of rebuilders take shortcuts. I work in the trucking industry, and many of our jobs go accross country when we send them out of the shop. We quit having anything electrical rebuilt about 5 years ago, because the savings did not compensate for having to eat the cost of diagnosis and a new part when the rebuild
failed 1500 miles down the road.

 

Cost is the issue. You know how much a NEW starter costs? I do. If you have $300+ laying around to spend, be my guest. The ACDelco stuff you see in stores is rebuilt FYI, not new.

 

Rebuild it! They are very simple and your local auto parts store has a kit for it. There are some extra little tricks to do to them that my dad showed me but would be kind of difficult to explain on here. I would take it to a reputable starter repairman and try to get a few tips from him.

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"84Z28/'91 305TPI comp cam flowmaster TB coolant bypass/shutoff valve to heater core MAT relocated Ram-Air(home-made) gutted air-box IROC ground effects/wheels GY245/50's 700R4 superior shift kit/ corvette servo(excellent shift kit BTW) Rebuilt engine and transplanted it myself. Love this engine!
LOW performance people should drive low performance vehicles!