Starter is dying...replace w/ 911 unit?, $100 more than a teener unit! Options

[Air_Cooled_Nut]

Starter works fine when cold. After a some driving, to where the starter gets heat soak, it will crank the engine VERY slowly as if the battery is very low on charge. Acts the same exact way while jump starting. But if I let the car cool down for awhile then it will crank like normal. I even had AAA come out and check the battery and charging system with their uber-cool, $600 hand-held analyzer and everything checked out 100%. So I know my battery (Optima) is in tip-top shape and my alternator is just as good.

I've read the hot-start relay threads and understand them. It's a band-aide for a failing starter as well as a safe-guard for the ignition switch. I may do it, I may not. Not sure. But I do know I need a starter. So, GPR has rebuilt Bosch units for the 911 @ $219 and 914 @ $112. Money is tight for me but I'd rather pay once than twice (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

I want to understand WHY the 911 starter is the prefered unit for replacement. I know it has more cranking power but is it at the same voltage/amperage draw as a 914 unit or more? Does the extra power spin the flywheel faster, resulting in a faster start? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[kart54]

The hi-torque starter looks completely different and sounds much different. If you look in ebay you'll see several hi-torque starters offered for the 914. I have one for a high compression racing 914 and have never had a problem with it. Granted, I only start the car on race weekends so it doesn't see everyday use but I don't know of any racers not using hi-torque starters and we need our cars to start every time or you waste a day at the track which is not cheap.
The hi-torque starter is also a lot less money than either of the units you mentioned. I paid $109.00 plus shipping for mine and had it the next day.
I also have a new 914 starter you could have for very little if you want to PM me. It does not work well on a high compression engine at all.
Randy

[watsonrx13]

The hi-torque starter looks completely different and sounds much different. If you look in ebay you'll see several hi-torque starters offered for the 914. I have one for a high compression racing 914 and have never had a problem with it. Granted, I only start the car on race weekends so it doesn't see everyday use but I don't know of any racers not using hi-torque starters and we need our cars to start every time or you waste a day at the track which is not cheap.
The hi-torque starter is also a lot less money than either of the units you mentioned. I paid $109.00 plus shipping for mine and had it the next day.
I also have a new 914 starter you could have for very little if you want to PM me. It does not work well on a high compression engine at all.
Randy

Randy, do you have a link to the hi-torque starter for the 914?

-- Rob