Starters

[P-2 Mark]

Does anyone know the weight difference between a STd. VW starter and gear reduction starter. My car and
myself need to go on a diet and I wondered if the weight savings was worth the additional cost?

Mark

[tiagosantos]

SRacing.com says about 4 pounds!

[SR Racing]

The weight is a nice advantage, but the cranking reliabilty is even better and you don't need the stupid nose bushing in the trans that always wears out.

Jim

[hardingfv32-1]

It is also possible to clock them to clear exhaust interference situations.

Brian

[FV95]

However, even with the ability to rotate the starter so the solenoid is at a different position, they will not fit all Vees. My early Vector (GB2) is an example.
John

[hardingfv32-1]

With a little machining to the removable mounting nose structure, you can put the solenoid anywhere that the transmission case does not interfere.

Brian

[Dave]

Mark, look at this link. interchange/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=3366 I started using the heavy gear reduction starter several years back. I have now moved on to the light weight gear reduction 12 volt starter. Bob at LRE sells the starter drive that I have developed. Brian is correct you can clock the heavy starter, as I have a Citation and have my solenoid laying on the transmission.

Dave

[smsazzy]

Very nice. How much do you sell them for?

[problemchild]

I made several using the 6V drive on the short 12V starter with aluminum mount. It weighed exactly the same as a hi-torque starter I had (within .1 lb).

The only advantage for me was cost ..... it was all wrecking yard parts that were throw-ins with other parts and had been used on my FST car previously. The con is that you are dependant on the transmission bushing. The pro was the $180 x2 I saved. Some people prefer "real" parts from the wrecker. Some people prefer to buy new (whether Chinese, Mexican, or maybe even American). Either way, the net weight was the same.

[Hal]

I got the reduction drive starter a few years ago, pricey but does save I believe around 4 lbs. I did end up working for two evening, many hours to get the thing to fit on my D-13. Works really well though and nice not having to worry/bother with the bushing any more. My Citation is light enough I don't have to give much thought to losing 4 lbs., the stock one on it is fine at this point.

Hal
D-13 88
Citation 88