87 3.2L Carrera - Which Starter Should I Get?

[Sajan]

Hi all,

After reading a bunch of threads on here, I noticed everyone raves about the high torque/gear reduction starters. Pelican has two avail.

WOSPerformance Starter Motor, 12volt, Type: 1.4kW Denso(1979 Porsche 911 SC Coupe)(m)
Part #: WSP-LMS1102
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/WSPLMS1102.htm?pn=WSP-LMS1102&SVSVSI=792&fs=0


High Torque Starter, New - No Core Required, 911/912, 930, 914 (1987 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe)(b)
Part #: PEL-GE-STHT
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/PELGESTHT.htm?pn=PEL-GE-STHT&fc=Y
(This seems to be the Hi-Torque IMI Brand but I am not sure of the model #)

There's this one also
IMI-101N
Gear Reduction Starter Motor Volkswagen Porsche


A fellow member used the WOSP and didn't seem like he had any issues in the 87. Need a new starter - Hi-Torque or rebuilt Bosch?

Any help is greatly appreciated

[AlBackus36]

I went with the IMI unit. Zero issues since installing it.

The best part of going mini starter as opposed to OE is being able to remove and replace the starter without dropping the front of the engine. I was unable to pull my factory starter without removing the trans beam bolts and allowing the trans to sag down about 6-8".

[Cory M]

I have used the high torque starter, works good. The smaller size makes it a lot easier to install. On the g50 car I put it on I had to extend the cable a bit to reach.

[Sajan]

thanks!
Both are Denso motors it seems.
Wanted to see if either or both were "plug and play" i.e. no shims/possible grinding.

[gamin]

I installed the high torque starter from Pelican some years ago on the '88 G50 car. Has worked well with no problems at all. Much lighter and opens up a lot of space. Also have one on the '70. Same results.

[gamin]

Forgot to mention, no shims and no grinding on either car.

[88911coupe]

I went with the HT model also after frustrating experience with Bosch rebuilt starter. HT model is easier to install but I also had to add a short cable extension.

[AlBackus36]

One thing I forgot to mention with the IMI is it has the ability to clock its mounting face with two long and slender cap screws. I tried installing it out of the box, but it collided with my heat ducting on the RH side. After a quick adjustment, I was able to clock the mounting plate and clear the ride. No idea if all require adjustments or mine was built on a Friday, but something to think about when installing.

[gtc]

It looks like I'm in the minority here, but I like the Bosch starters better than the high torque starter.
Having purchased them both, I can say that the Bosch starter turns the motor over faster, and the engine starts sooner.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by gtc

It looks like I'm in the minority here, but I like the Bosch starters better than the high torque starter.
Having purchased them both, I can say that the Bosch starter turns the motor over faster, and the engine starts sooner.

The Bosch starters are fine most of the time. I learned to really hate them after a 12 hour drive on a hot day. They will heat soak, and lock up tight. My wife got good at popping the clutch with me pushing on one trip. That was the last time I trusted a Bosch starter. I had one rebuilt, and it locked up. I bought one that was new, and even it would heat soak and not work. Squirting water on it helps a lot, but climbing under a very hot engine with the exhaust right in my face is no fun.

The high torque starter has been flawless in all conditions from insane hot to 16 degrees.

[Ian Comerford]

Originally Posted by gtc

It looks like I'm in the minority here, but I like the Bosch starters better than the high torque starter.
Having purchased them both, I can say that the Bosch starter turns the motor over faster, and the engine starts sooner.

I’m not sure that this is correct. High torque starter motors are known to turn engines over more quickly than standard items