Looking for a gear reduction starter
I just went through this so maybe I can help.
First why do you need one? I only aks because after much research I found that the factory starter is a pretty stout piece and is as light as most of the aftermarket units.
I ended up staying with the stocker and it spins over our 13.5-1 396 with no problems whatsoever, going on two years now.
Unless you need one for fitment issues, I would stay with stock.
Otherwise, the only one I would have considered was the MSD starter although I'm sure there are others on here that could make other suggestions.
First why do you need one? I only aks because after much research I found that the factory starter is a pretty stout piece and is as light as most of the aftermarket units.
I ended up staying with the stocker and it spins over our 13.5-1 396 with no problems whatsoever, going on two years now.
Unless you need one for fitment issues, I would stay with stock.
Otherwise, the only one I would have considered was the MSD starter although I'm sure there are others on here that could make other suggestions.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 107
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From: Eastham, MA
well im havin quite the time trying to get the old one out right now. the tranny cooler lines are right in the way along with the y pipe. I guess i gotta keep wigglin. So a stock starter will clear the new headers and y just fine?
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TECH Fanatic
Joined: May 2006
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From: Lexington,MO
Get a Corvette starter AKA LT4 starter. They are smaller and makes it easier when you have headers. I have one and like it has more clearance and if yours needs replaced then now is the time to do it. Otherwise I would just keep the stock one till it craps out.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 107
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From: Eastham, MA
i was reading up and apperently on 96 and later model LT1 camaro/firebirds have gear reduction starters. so i think im gonna go with that. I finally got my old one out so i should be rollin again soon
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Eastham, MA
well i had to go with the 94 thats all that was available. apperently. Dont you just love the know it all a-holes who know everything that work at autozone. I called yesterday they had both the 94 and for a 95-97 the guy was looking at them over the phone tellin me the difference between mounting points. then i go in today. another guy was like nope its the same and he wouldnt even pull it off the shelf. Man i yelled at him, he was trying to make me look stupid, but hes the one workin at autozone being a lazy p.o.s. Anyways should be good to go tommorrow if i get a break in the weather. Thanks everyone
People get worried about having a starter that will turn over a motor and I believe that goes back to years ago when things were not made as well. Last spring I physically broke the solenoid and fianally ditched the original starter for my car. Being it was an L99 car it got a big HEAVY non-reduction starter. Car had like 170K miles on it at that point, LT1 was swapped in at 110K and everyone saif the little starter would not turn in. Well not only did it turn it but it turned it in it's current configuration 11.2-3:1 heads and cam motor that cranks 230psi. This is not even the stock LT1 gear reduction which is a LOT lighter.
I ended up buying some cheap POS off Ebay that was hassle to fit and not any lighter than a stock LT1 starter.
Far as parts store employees, just tell them you have the vehicle you are buying the parts for, tell them it is your Uncle's Vette or something like that. My local parts stores now know me well enough that when I ask for say a 2000 Tahoe tranny filter they ask why out of curiosity but trust me and know it is going on the car. Those had a 1/2" deeper tranny pan I was able to buy new for $15 from a dealer at one time.
I ended up buying some cheap POS off Ebay that was hassle to fit and not any lighter than a stock LT1 starter.
Far as parts store employees, just tell them you have the vehicle you are buying the parts for, tell them it is your Uncle's Vette or something like that. My local parts stores now know me well enough that when I ask for say a 2000 Tahoe tranny filter they ask why out of curiosity but trust me and know it is going on the car. Those had a 1/2" deeper tranny pan I was able to buy new for $15 from a dealer at one time.
