light weight starter (Page 2/2)
Patrick JAN 20, 09:16 PM

quote
Originally posted by ericjon262:

it's stupid easy to adapt the wiring.



There's simply no need for anyone to go that route. There are literally dozens and dozens of GM applications where the light weight (6.4 lb) starters have the correct terminals for plug and play on a Fiero.

All someone who's interested has to do is find the threads in the archives where these starters have been listed... or just go to the wreckers and look at a few GM cars. The correct starters are very plentiful.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 01-20-2015).]

fierosound JAN 21, 09:12 AM
The GM starters have gotten smaller.

1998-2000 Grand AM pictured here (I think the newer GM's have ones even smaller)




There's even smaller aftermarket starters. 3HP High Torque Mini Starter (search eBay)



------------------
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Super Duty 4 Indy #163 Click me

[This message has been edited by fierosound (edited 01-21-2015).]

hobbywrench JAN 23, 06:50 PM
I am poised for the smaller starter and 8 lb is burned in the noggin as the expected weight for a later GM unit. I got that figure in this forum. We need to use "search" and dig that out again.

Previously I had mentioned my use of a 250 amp , 11.4 lb lead acid battery on the 85 GT , 2.8. Yes it requires attention including frequent charging. Mine is very proletarian, an Easy Start lawn tractor unit , $ 25. They last about 3 years with care. I leave it in year round here and it does crank @ 32F. (You can always hide its lowly background)
johnt671 JAN 24, 09:44 AM
I put the Grand Am starter on my 84. While the weight difference is nice that wasn't the main reason. It's so much easier to to drop and install the small starter that did it for me.
OldGuyinaGT MAR 21, 03:42 PM
I changed to a lighter weight starter about three years ago in my '88 GT, just because. I bought a Delco Remy 96211
(new from RockAuto since I don't trust used electrical parts), listed for 1998-2000 Buick Regal, NA. When I looked just now, I did not see it listed for other cars/engines, but I thought it had wider application than that. Anyway, I don't remember its weight now, just that it was about half that of the stock starter. At any rate, it bolted right up and connected right up, with no wiring or connector mods that I can recall.

Over the years, I have changed a lot of starters on a lot of GM cars, and have only had to change the shims once. Seems like the starters and engine blocks are consistent enough that it usually stays the same. But as ever, YMMV.
Blacktree MAR 21, 04:02 PM
Patrick MAR 21, 04:34 PM

quote
Originally posted by Blacktree:

Thread necromancy...



No harm done. The info is still very much valid.
RayOtton MAR 22, 06:39 AM
I went with the 7 lb battery a couple of years ago. I did need the shims but it works perfectly.

At the same time I installed a battery meant for the Mazda Miata. I'd read somewhere that it was the lightest standard automobile battery made. That also works perfectly even if I don't run the car for a couple of weeks during the winter months.

Can't recall the exact combined weight loss but it was somewhere in the 16-17 lb region.
theogre MAR 22, 09:53 AM

quote
Originally posted by OldGuyinaGT:
Over the years, I have changed a lot of starters on a lot of GM cars, and have only had to change the shims once. Seems like the starters and engine blocks are consistent enough that it usually stays the same. But as ever, YMMV.

While most times you can use same shim stack, have to check clearance every time. New and Rebuilt units of same type as OE can have tolerance changes and need shim change or Bendix can bind w/ or break the Flywheel ring gear. "Upgrade" starters are same.

More so when "upgrade" starter needs adapters to fit "GM format" starters.
You see many people have gear head starters horizontally bolted to an adapter then the adapter bolts to engine w/ 2 vertical "GM Starter Bolts."
Those adapters can be made by nearly anyone and tolerance is allover the planet.
PatrickTRoof MAR 23, 03:15 PM
The solenoid on my stock starter ('85 GT) packed up a couple of summers ago, and I took that opportunity to replace the starter with a '02 Grand Am starter. Direct replacement with the stock shim, and it's smaller and lighter, and it cranks faster too.