High Tq starters...whos got'em
 

My car is a PITA to start after getting hot. I think the starter is losing some oomph. Who is using an aftermarket starter. Whats a good brand at a decent price? What type do we need for the LS1? Thanks!

Re: High Tq starters...whos got'em
 

ttt <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="gr_tounge.gif" />

Re: High Tq starters...whos got'em
 

I would check out the integrity of the power
path connections first (might take apart,
wire brush and retighten just for luck).
This includes the ground - battery cable as
well as the B+ - solenoid - starter path.
Any connection to aluminum or steel is prone
to build up oxidation eventually, as are
the battery posts.

If you have headers or "hollow log" mod, the
starter may be getting cooked. Used to be,
that headers on SBCs made this problem all
the time, and folks used to cobble up heat
shields (some cars had shields for the stock
exhaust config, but headers would interfere).
There is less room and sitting-still air
circulation in Camaros than you used to see
in the ol' Chevelle, so I reckon the starter
has it worse. Just a cheap piece of semi-
stiff aluminum and two hose clamps (or a
fortunate bolt-hole pair on the block) might
solve the whole problem.

You might also look at the battery; check the
terminal voltage under the problem condition,
see how much internal sag you are getting. I'd
say any cranking voltage under 8-10V means it's
new battery time. Just need to know if it's
the battery, the wiring, or the load that's
the main restriction.

One snake-oily thing I found in my older
cars was that using stuff like "Greased
Lightning" oil treatment (teflon goo) made
starting way easier - the friction reduction
claimed, I guess happens. I've never used it
on a car with cats/O2s but it claims to be
OK.

GM makes high-torque permanent magnet starters
which are bolt-in for the older SBC generations.
Don't know about our LS-1s. I have a part number
reference clipping but it's for the older blocks.
Might find a GM parts search window if you dug
around, or even a helpful counter dude at a
local Chevy-Mart.

Re: High Tq starters...whos got'em
 

Thanks for the info. I dont think its that battery...I have two...one in the back and one up front, Optima red tops. (lotsa stereo stuff). I am going to go through and solder all connections, and improve the grounds. Also it cranks right over when the motors cold. After it reaches temp its a lil hard to crank.

Anyone know the exact type that will fit the LS1??

Re: High Tq starters...whos got'em
 

No one is using one?

Re: High Tq starters...whos got'em
 

Al, I got a broken one you can have if you want to pay shipping, and use it for measuring purposes.

Re: High Tq starters...whos got'em
 

When I replaced my starter (about a year ago) there were no aftermarket units available. Not sure about now, but just as an FYI, if you check the price on the GM part you will cry. $$ <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" />

<small>[ May 07, 2002, 02:14 PM: Message edited by: HalfMoon ]</small>