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stock starter OR high torque starter???

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Old 08-17-2011, 04:16 PM
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stock starter OR high torque starter???

Hey guys im trying to fire up my 89 Iroc. I threw out the stock 305 tpi and dropped in a carburated 383. At first it wouldn't turn and it sounded weak. Turns out that the battery was bad. I bought a new battery and tried again, it was more aggressive this time but it still wouldn't turn.

Maybe my stock starter has gone bad? Would a new stock starter do? Or must I get a high torque starter? The car is manual if that matters.

Thanks guys!
Old 08-17-2011, 04:27 PM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

I have bought two powermaster starters from summit and loved both of them, light and powerful.
Old 08-17-2011, 06:01 PM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

If buying a new starter anyway, might as well get a mini high torque starter. Got mine off ebay for $80 shipped - been great for over a year now!
Old 08-17-2011, 08:45 PM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

IMO all stock starters from the 16th century should be rounded up and thrown into a large volcano. A mini starter will be way lighter, more powerful, FAR FAR less bulky, and won't try to pull your hands to the centre of the Earth when you drop them out.

I wrestled mine off and back on for several years until it finally died, then replaced with a mini. Realised immediately that I should have tossed it the first time I pulled it, just on principle's sake.
Old 08-18-2011, 07:20 AM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

Originally Posted by camaronewbie
If buying a new starter anyway, might as well get a mini high torque starter.
Denso mini as used on Corvette late L98 and LT1 engines
1/2 the size and weigh of stock Delco one
Fits any 153 tooth ( straight bolt pattern ) flywheel

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Corve...item588f06bedb


Old 08-18-2011, 08:04 AM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

Thats the starter Ive been using since they came out. They are great..
Old 08-18-2011, 09:37 AM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

Or you can use and LT1 starter.....they're smaller and have more kick. I've been using one for 5 yrs and it seems to work great on 3rd gens.
Old 08-18-2011, 11:43 AM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

I had to use a high torque starter on my 383. The stock starter just didn't have enough power to turn the motor over very fast.
If your compression is over 10:1 I would get a high torque one.

I got this one http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-820323/ which is good for up to 18:1 compression.
Old 08-18-2011, 11:58 AM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

That does sound like a starter. You can take it off the car and take it into an autoparts store such as Advanced or AutoZone most of them can bench test the starter for you on the spot.

If you have headers or want to put them on down the road a mini starter will give you more space which means the starter won't fit as tight against the exhaust.

Also most mini-starters offer high output and clockable position so you can adjust them for the headers.

I've used 2 of the hitachi type generic mini starters. Both worked good. The first one shorted out after 8+ years of service so the 2nd one is on there now. It cranks over my 10.1:1 CR solid roller setup just fine. I also have another brand in the garage but the solenoid design is different and its kinda in a weird spot on it so it would reclocked to fit correctly with my current long tubes.
Old 08-18-2011, 05:29 PM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

Thanks guys. I found these two that I like. Could you guys confirm if either would work for my Iroc? And which would you pick?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SBC-B...item2c5ea61343

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SBC-B...item45fc33d75e
Old 08-18-2011, 05:45 PM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

2nd one looks like the one I use. It's decent.
Old 08-18-2011, 10:10 PM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

Originally Posted by leedavidalan
I found these two that I like. And which would you pick?

do a Google on Procomp electrical stuff
Old 08-19-2011, 06:37 AM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

Those both look like the cheeeeeeeeeeeeep made in China knockoffs of a Hitachi... use at your own risk... no idea whether parts that fit the actual Hitachi piece will work in that "product" or not, for example; might be a total throw-away when it breaks
Old 08-19-2011, 07:03 AM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

Originally Posted by heat seeker
Or you can use and LT1 starter.....they're smaller and have more kick. I've been using one for 5 yrs and it seems to work great on 3rd gens.
Old 08-19-2011, 07:12 AM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

Originally Posted by vetteoz
Denso mini as used on Corvette late L98 and LT1 engines
1/2 the size and weigh of stock Delco one
Fits any 153 tooth ( straight bolt pattern ) flywheel

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Corve...item588f06bedb


I have the same starter. Its a nice piece and I picked it up for $65 at a local yard. The only problem I ran into is it hits a tube on the Hedman LT's I am running. Nothing a few wacks with the hammer cant take care of, but still an issue. Im sure shorties or stock manifolds would be no problem at all.

Oh yeah, I am at 10.3 to 1 compression and it turns it over with no problem.
Old 08-19-2011, 07:31 AM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

You know those mini torque starters are clock-able. You can rotate it 360deg to get it away from most configurations. With my hooker long tubes I had to machine the solid aluminum mounting block though. Nothing an angle grinder, or a file and a lot of Patience could not take care of.
Old 08-19-2011, 09:29 AM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

Originally Posted by Recaro trans am
You know those mini torque starters are clock-able. You can rotate it 360deg to get it away from most configurations. With my hooker long tubes I had to machine the solid aluminum mounting block though. Nothing an angle grinder, or a file and a lot of Patience could not take care of.
Most aftermarket are, but stock GM starters arnt. Mine was a stock Denso from a maybe a 94 vette. I cant remember the year.
Old 08-19-2011, 09:33 AM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

Originally Posted by bluegrassz
I have the same starter. Its a nice piece and I picked it up for $65 at a local yard.
Oh yeah, I am at 10.3 to 1 compression and it turns it over with no problem.

Original Denso unit from my 89 Vette is turning over my 12:1 383 no probs.
With a good tune ,on a cold start it doesn't even crank over; just fires up as soon as you turn the key
Old 08-19-2011, 10:03 AM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

I see. So the two I posted earlier aren't the best. Suppose I did Summit. Which would you recommend? I think one of you already posted a link, but I'll just ask again. Thanks guys!
Old 08-19-2011, 10:17 AM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

It doesnt have to be Summit, it could be Ebay as well. Just something that will work, and if possible, under $100.
Old 08-19-2011, 10:27 AM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

Just use the LT1 starter, already!!!

Go to your local parts get it there, comes with a warranty, and you're set. I've burned up a couple of them, and it's nice to just walk in with my core and get another one. You won't regret it.
Old 08-19-2011, 10:50 AM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

heat seeker this LT1 starter is a stock starter off a Corvette is it? What year? Think autozone or pepboys carries them? Thanks dude.....
Old 08-19-2011, 11:37 AM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

Yes, I got mine from Autozone, it's the one off of the 93-97 Camaro/Firebird. Make sure you get the shims with it, you might need them if it wants to bind after cranking.

No prob, glad to help.

Last edited by heat seeker; 08-19-2011 at 11:40 AM.
Old 08-19-2011, 09:40 PM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

Originally Posted by heat seeker
it's the one off of the 93-97 Camaro/Firebird.
89 - 96 Corvette as well as per my link above
Old 08-19-2011, 09:56 PM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

I just went to Autozone. They have a lifetime warranty, remanufactured starter for a 93 V8 Camaro for $170. My question is, even though this is a stock starter, is it considered high torque? Does it have enough juice to start my new 383? If so, I'll go back right now and get it. I just want to make sure before I spend this kind of cash.
Old 08-19-2011, 10:13 PM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

Check out my signature, it starts my engine without a problem. If your compression is under 13:1 then you'll be fine.
Old 08-19-2011, 10:17 PM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

This is the engine I purchased from Summit. Think your recommended starter will do?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MLL-BP3832CT1/
Old 08-19-2011, 10:24 PM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

Yep, it'll do. The fact that it's rated at 330hp means its probably 9.5:1 compression....or close. A stock LT1 has a 10.5:1 compression ratio.
Old 08-19-2011, 10:27 PM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

sweet. thanks! I'll let you know how things go....
Old 04-05-2015, 01:27 PM
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Re: stock starter OR high torque starter???

what year and part number / i have a 90 iroc will be buying from either ecklers or hawkes / thanks
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