Well, the starter on my 88 GTA took a dump on me yesterday. I had a feeling it was on the fritz. I called Auto Zone and they had one with a lifetime warranty for my 350 TPI for $30. I want to get one from Summit, but didn't have time or the money really. So, I figure it will be no big deal to swap it out and that I could do it in 30 minutes like I can on my other cars. WRONG!!!! This thing just wouldn't come out for anything. Damn exhaust is right in the way. I fumbled with it and turned it every which way for over an hour with no success. Finally, I took the three bolts off that hold the silenoid on, twisted the silenoid off, and the starter comes out with lots of room to spare! I bought the new starter and took the silenoid off and the new starter went right in. I mounted it up and then bolted the silenoid on. That was kind of tricky, but no big deal. I'm just glad the Auto Zone starter works. If it had been a dud, I'd have gone into Auto Zone ready to kick some butt. Anyways, I've read some posts about people cutting their exhaust and other crazy things to get their starters out. Just take the silenoid off! You'll have plenty of room! Just a tip! Matt

 

nice tip ill have to remember that one.

 

Thats what I had to do with mine as well
Not a fun job

 

Its actually not bad at all. I did one on my 89 GTA a while back with no problems.

 

Yeah? Wait 'til you have to change the starter on one of those GE turbofans....

 

I just unhooked the y pipe from the exhaust manifold and it came down a little. No problem at all getting it out after that. If I remember right it was only 2 bolts with a long extension to remove them.

 

Some are a pain epecially if the support bracket is still attached. Ive found you can usually just tip and twist it and it comes out without going to the extent of unbolting anything other then the starter. Opps forgot to put the supprt bracket in yes forgot.........

 

Get used to it. You'll be taking advantage of the warranty on a $30 starter over and over and over.

 

the first time i changed my stater, it took me probable 1.5hrs round trip. the second time i did it, took me like 9 seconds to get it out after removing the starter bolts. took me like 8 seconds to get it back in. and i didnt have to remove the Y pipe or nothing. i cant remember exactly how i did it, but it was real smooth. i think i slid it out and rotated it so the solonoid was poinitng almost down, than slid it down with the solonoid going through the bigger opening near the y pipe. i could be wrong, its been like 3 months since i dont it and never really paid attention to it.

 

AC Delco Starter for me, Got tired of changing those starters every other year!!! Had the Delco one for over 5 years now no prob. Damn, just probably jinxed myself.

 

I have removed mine a few times, and I have to push it higher up, with the geared end pointing down and then it will come out. I am planning on getting a quick connect starter harness from summit so that I don't have to wrestle with the wires next time.

I have a dumb question, but do the 91's have a starter brace on them? Mine sure doesn't!

 

the first time i did it, it took 45mins to figure out how to wiggle that f00ker out of there..

after that, i could do the whole job start to finish in 15mins.

 

91droptop....

I have a 91 drop top as well and it also does not have that brace.
And I know it's the original starter on the thing, since it's a one owner car.

Hmmmmm, wonder why they did away with the brace?

 

sorry to revive an old topic, but I have a friend with an 86 T/A 305 tpi who needs his starter changed and was wondering in anyone had any advice? It look difficult because the exhaust is in the way. Quick replies would be appreciated. Thanks ALOT!

 

I seem to recall the last time I did my starter it made a big difference whether the front wheel was up (car on ramps) or down (car on jackstands). I can't remember which way was better, but one position put the A arm in a less intrusive angle.

For myself, I installed a newer planetary gear starter in place of the old 10MT starter. It weighs about half as much, and feels like it's the size of a beer can compared to the old starter. If you get the correct part number, it bolts right up.

 

Thats exactly right Jim!!! Have fun..... After the second and third time you'll be a pro.

 

Sure. Unhook the battery, note the connections remove the starter take the starter to block bracket off and trash it, wiggle the starter out. Slide the new starter in hoock up the connections then bolt it back in. Usually an aftermarket starter will need at least one shim so install one before you finish bolting the starter back in.

 

just took mine out on friday, i had the tranny out so i just removed the flexplate and out it came.

 

i was having bad luck and had to replace my starter a few times, Luckily it only takes me like 30 minutes with the stock exaust. This time my freind was helping me and he seemed to have teh same diffuculty as you guys.

He is fumbling with it and trying hard and dealing with the fact that the manual says to remove the exaust.
i keep reasuring him "no dude, ive done it more than once just keep trying"
eventually he gives up and takes a deep breath with the starter resting right above his head and right as he says "there is no way to do this without takin off the exaust"

WOOSH! the starter falls out and almost lands on his face right before his hands spring up and catch it so he saves himself a broken nose.!!
LOL i guess some people have the touch.