Proform stater reviews?

[mobileaudio25]

I need a decent high torque mini starter under $150 for my 355 sbc malibu. I'm running a 168 tooth flywheel (staggered bolt pattern).

Ive found this proform mini high torque starter for 140.00 Its just a little hard to believe that it turn over a 18:1 compression engine and only cost 150$ anyone have any reviews or luck with their starters?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PRO-67052/

 

[DRIVEN]

The Proform starter that you linked is a Denso/Nipondenso gear reduction style. I would assume, since they didn't specify "made in USA" or "Japan", that it's made in China. Many of the OEs use Denso starters and they are very durable. The body is the same but they use a different nose cone depending on whether it's on a Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Chrysler, GM, etc. Typically they only wear out the solenoid plunger and contacts (in the 150-200K mile range) which are cheap and easy to replace. GM used Denso starters on the LT1 corvettes from '92-'96 so you should be able to get one at any local auto parts store and might be cheaper than Summit/shipping. Plus, if there's a problem you can warranty it locally. Make sure you specify Corvette since the B, D, and Fbody LT1s used a different, Delco starter. Rockauto has them too. There are similar starters (Chinese copys) on ebay for less than Summit's price.

 

[mobileaudio25]

would you just suggest going with a jegs high performance starter? its $50 more but id rather pay the extra cash and be done with it, unless you think the proform would be sufficient?

 

[khan0165]

I'm probably gonna get hack for mentioning this one...

I got this one from DB Electrical

it's very cheap, and it's made in China. But it works well and I haven't had or heard of any issues with it yet

here's the link http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-1319-new- ... 031-l.aspx

here's how it looked when I got it

there was no grinding or modifying involved, it fit right in. And it gave me lots more clearance with my headers

 

[tc1959]

I got a Delco New Starter # 3371018 For A 97 Chevy 1500 truck ( I have That style engine in my El Camino)
$91.18 with no core charge,They had the shorter starter bolts also.
www.rockauto.com

 

[pontiacgp]

if you haven't already done so you might want to consider hard wiring the starter solenoid and use a ford style solenoid to keep it away from the heat. Another advantage to a remote solenoid is the wire to the starter is dead until you turn the key to start.

 

[DRIVEN]

would you just suggest going with a jegs high performance starter? its $50 more but id rather pay the extra cash and be done with it, unless you think the proform would be sufficient?

I think the Proform would probably be fine. I was just making a point that it's a sturdy design, just probably made in China -- if that's something that bothers you. The one that khan and tc referenced is also a gear reduction, permanent magnet design. They work good too and are slightly smaller than the older GM starters. You can see the comparison in the photos. That style was used on the B, D, and Fbody LT1s so you have the option of getting it over the counter locally. I run one on my El Camino. Either style will probably be fine as long as you have a healthy battery and sufficient cables. The advantage with the Denso style is that it's more serviceable if you ever need to go into it. Depending on the manufacturer, the solenoids are either crimped (non removable) or bolted onto the nosecone of the permanent magnet style.

Another thing to consider if you have very high compression is that you need a support bracket between the end of the starter and the side of the block. I'd hate to see you break the mounting pad on the block. That's why starters have those studs on the end of them.

 

[khan0165]

PontiacGP,
this is interesting; can you explain a little more?

I've heard of this before, but don't quite know how to do it. Where would I get a "remote solenoid"? Would this mount under the hood? Would I be able to crank the engine from under the hood?

 

[online170]

It didnt solve my hot start issues;

http://www.maliburacing.com/starter_solenoid.html

Whats worked for me, is header wrap, and a heat blanket for the starter.

 

[79MaliCrazz]

My performance shop installed a 96 Suburban starter on my 350sbc and its great for $90 i can beat that maybe save some money and go that route.