Guys,

The starter on my '89 Formula 305 TPI M5 busted. It wasn't the stock starter, and was fairly thin, and I had no trouble removing it. But I can't get the new one on. It's an AC Delco from the dealer, and it's way too big to get past the exhaust manifold pipe.

I can't find the stock part number anywhere online, and the dealer is closed today. When I look up starters on CarParts.com, the AC Delco part number on my new starter shows as being for an automatic transmission. It doesn't list one for a manual transmission.

I could always just get one like the one I took off, except it was $350. It's an AC Delco, but I don't know why it's so expensive.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a thin starter that will work in the $100-$150 range?

Thanks!

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1989 Formula WS6 M5
SLP cold air induction, K&N filter, TPIS modified MAF, TPIS 52mm TB w/ airfoil, Random Tech cats, SLP cat-back, TPIS AFPR, March underdrive pulley, Accel 300+ coil & 8.8mm wires, Bosch Platinum+4 plugs, Hypertech 160°F t-stat & fan switch, Hypertech Streetrunner chip, Centerforce dual-friction clutch, PST front suspension kit, PowerStop cross-drilled rotors, Porterfield Carbon Kevlar pads, Russell SS brake lines, Firehawk SZ50 EP P255/50ZR16.

G-Tech Pro measurements:
0-60 mph: 6.0 sec
212 RWHP

1/8 mile results: 9.74 sec @ 74.5 mph; 0-60 ft @ 2.35 sec; +0.46 reaction

2001 Trans Am WS6 A4
Stock

More info at website:
www.fbody.com/members/stevenmh

 

Steve,

Have you thought of just replacing the brushes in the starter you removed? Generally, you can install brushes, turn and undercut the commutator (if necessary) and replace or relube the bushings/bearings and gears, bendix, pivots, levers, etc. A new solenoid will cost you about $20.00. For less than $40.00, you can have the starter operating again if the commutator is not damaged.

It sounds like you have a reduction gear starter design. These are hard to find rebuilt for less than $150.00, and new ones are around $400.00.

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Later,
Vader
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"No matter how hard you try you can't stop us now"
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0

 

When you mention "thin" and "$350" a gear reduction starter come to mind. I have the big fat one you describe and cost me $60 for the Delco (membership has it privledges) and I had to grind off one of the unused studs and then pry it past my exhaust to get it to fit. I have an auto. It is a very tight squeeze.

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If you live in Southeastern US, check us out!
South East Thirdgen


ASE Master Tech + L1
Savannah, GA

'87 Trans Am
S/D TPI retrofit including functional PassKey, 22# injectors,
JET AFPR, Ported Plenum,
TB Coolant Bypass, Custom Cold Air,
SSM SFC, KYB Shocks, Boxed LCAs, Wonder Bar,
8mm Accel wires,
Flowmaster Exhaust,
16" GTA rims,
Corvette Servo,
-->14.97 @ 94.9 MPH<--

'97 Bonneville SSE

 

Vader! If I hadn't spent 10 minutes looking for my receipt I would have beat you! I hate when that happens, b/c now it looks like I just copied what you said.

------------------
If you live in Southeastern US, check us out!
South East Thirdgen


ASE Master Tech + L1
Savannah, GA

'87 Trans Am
S/D TPI retrofit including functional PassKey, 22# injectors,
JET AFPR, Ported Plenum,
TB Coolant Bypass, Custom Cold Air,
SSM SFC, KYB Shocks, Boxed LCAs, Wonder Bar,
8mm Accel wires,
Flowmaster Exhaust,
16" GTA rims,
Corvette Servo,
-->14.97 @ 94.9 MPH<--

'97 Bonneville SSE

 

I ran into the fit problem on my LG4. I don't know how, but when I replaced the starter a few years ago, I slipped it right in there. When I had to pull it a year ago to replace a burned fusible link, I couldn't get it out of there! I even had it up on a lift once and tried it!

You could always take the exhaust loose. This is a PITA, but to save money, I would do it!

Good luck!

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Working on:
'84 Z28 LG4 305
Added dual elec fans.
145 MPH IROC Speedo
Building 430 HP 350
using primarily GMPP parts.
Block is in shop!

Awaiting results from all 8 ASE tests.

Starting to look like the Kicker poster child!

 

GMT,

Yeah, that happens to me all the time, too. I gotta learn to use more than one finger when I type...

At least your expert opinion verifies my suspicions.

------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"No matter how hard you try you can't stop us now"
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0

 

I stuck a CVR mini-starter on my car after about 15 years of fighting the Delco $*** trying to get my car to start; it's a helluva lot better than the Delco POS that came off which would barely turn the 305 over that used to be in it, much less than the 10½:1 400 that's in there now. Plus, it's only $165 or $170, compared to ... how much did you say?

Sometimes the OE stuff isn't the best... you have to understand what you want, and what it was originally designed for, and with that knowledge make an informed decision; not just automatically assume that the OE is perfect and alll else is crap, or vice-versa. In this case, diss the OE and get the aftermarket, you won't believe what a pile of junk the original really is.

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"So many Mustangs, so little time..."