silvrhand

looks like the starter went, have to pull it and get a new one. Are people just using the OEM starter, or are there better options such as the MSD starter?

I've also heard some people having heat failure due to aftermarket headers, I'm running the ARH 1 7/8" headers, jet coated.

Any information/thoughts/flames are welcome.

erikszr1

stock is fine, I would not buy any rebuilt unit from an auto parts store....EVER. I would buy a used one before I did that. LOL, get a A/C delco unit online from one of our GM parts suppliers here.

Unreal

I've heard nothing but good about the rebuilt napa ones. They come out of Michigan. $80.

erikszr1

sounds like a good option

HOXXOH

Before buying a full replacement starter, check the solenoid for a broken post. The combination of heat, vibration, and stress (tension) has been well known to crack the bakelite housing, which results in a loss of electrical continuity.
A new solenoid is about $40 installed on your starter motor when you take it to a local rebuilder.

silvrhand

As much as a pain as it is to remove as I have to drop the headers, get it up on the ramps I'd rather just pay the $200 for a new one and not worry about it for a while.

HOXXOH

That's what I thought when I replaced the first one. I'm now on solenoid #3 and both starter motors check out fine. I've already put a solenoid (#4) on the spare motor, so I'm ready for the next failure.

BTW, I didn't need to drop the headers (LG) on mine.

Unreal

Stater will come out on LGs, put no way on my 2" ARH. Don't have to remove it, just loosen the bolts so it can wiggle a bit.

silvrhand

So,

I had to break the headers loose to get the stock starter, down, the solenoid was cooked and broke off in my hand and then all over my face while under the car! As always the taste of burnt plastic and clutch dust is an great feeling.

I am replacing it with a powermaster 9509, which is smaller lighter (10lbs guys!) and the solenoid is protected in metal, with a small heat wrap I should no longer have issues.

I will take some pictures and post the size, weight, and installation with ARH headers for everyone.

427ZM

Pace performance has brand new ones for any LS application for $108. Can't beat it.

ConfusedGarage

With headers and no heat wrap they seem to be on borrowed time until the situation as you described rears its head. On my new starter with a heat wrap and many track days later, its still starting like new. I highly recommend some sort of heat protection while folks are doing this, its cheap and easy. I used a DEI wrap, and then DEI heat tape to seal it up and protect wires and such.

dcooper23

Can you update on this? I am searching for the right starter and was wanting to know how this one has held up for you.

shythone

What model Vette? Mine is an 07 and hopefully wont have to drop headers.

silvrhand

just saw this, I ended up changing it again as it didn't last either,

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/MSD-5...rter,9612.html

I used this one as it clocks away from the headers and I haven't had any issues since.

froggy47

See my starter videos on froggy's Garage if you need info.

Red06Vette

Check out this company, got a gear drive starter for my LS7 with 3.75:1 gear reduction. They don't list one for LS engines but he has them.

http://www.ecae.com/index.html

double06

The MSD may or may not fit some headers. I think it is like 1/2 to 1 inch longer than the stock starter. I just replaced mine with a AC Delco 323-1640 one and the stock Z06 starter is only like 8 pounds. I had some issues with the post getting to hot also when I pulled starter out I could move the post around like a stick shift. My ARH headers seem to be further away from the starter than my old headers so I am hoping the damage was done from prior headers. I also got the higher end AC delco starter and what I noticed is it sounded like a mini starter. It also turn motor over faster part of which could have been the weak lug in solenoid.

froggy47

I'd love to see pictures of these "better" starters installed, I barely got a stock replacement in & it was work.

froggy47

Pics aftermarket starter? Installed.