Current Best High Torque Starters?

[Stretch32]

I'm in need of a new starter, since mine is beginning to succumb to heat soak, and I was planning to install a high torque starter in place of the OEM Bosch unit.

Looking through older posts, it seems there are several options available from this site and others so I'm wondering if there's a "best" option in terms of installation, reliability and longevity. Pelican alone has several versions of the Wosp type starters but I'm not sure what the major differences are if one would be better than another.

I'm running a twin plug, 10:1 CR, 2.3L engine in my '71E LWT so I'm thinking a high torque starter would suit me needs the best.

Thanks in advance.

Stretch

[IROC]

I installed a Tilton on my 3.2 about 17 years ago and it still spins it like crazy. No issues. 10.3:1 compression.

[shoooo32]

I have about 70k miles on a WOSP starter from our host and have installed them in other cars. They seem like a solid improvement in performance and weight over the OG Bosch.

[Ian Comerford]

If you want something with a motorsport reputation that is also fitted by Singer then go for Brise. I have one, it’s tiny, almost jewel like and spins so well
https://brise.co.uk/product/porsche-911-7635091axgac/?v=7885444af42e

[REVerend]

I too am interested in this and have been watching this thread unfold with some interest. My takeaway is that I’m definitely going to replace the starter when I drop the engine just because it seems significantly easier.

https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/460831-installing-high-torque-starter.html

Originally Posted by Ian Comerford

If you want something with a motorsport reputation that is also fitted by Singer then go for Brise. I have one, it’s tiny, almost jewel like and spins so well
https://brise.co.uk/product/porsche-911-7635091axgac/?v=7885444af42e

That looks like a very nice piece, and would be just the thing for a super light racing car but at a bit over $800 is a bit much for some of our more proletariat 911s.

[Ian Comerford]

Originally Posted by REVerend

I too am interested in this and have been watching this thread unfold with some interest. My takeaway is that I’m definitely going to replace the starter when I drop the engine just because it seems significantly easier.

https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/460831-installing-high-torque-starter.html




That looks like a very nice piece, and would be just the thing for a super light racing car but at a bit over $800 is a bit much for some of our more proletariat 911s.

I remember what I paid for it five or six years ago and it was nowhere near that, prices for parts have gone crazy in some areas.

[Determined]

I also have a Tilton on a 3.2 with high compression, no issues after many years.

[stownsen914]

I have a Tilton starter for sale in case anyone is interested.

[Jonny042]

Originally Posted by Stretch32

I'm in need of a new starter, since mine is beginning to succumb to heat soak, and I was planning to install a high torque starter in place of the OEM Bosch unit.

Looking through older posts, it seems there are several options available from this site and others so I'm wondering if there's a "best" option in terms of installation, reliability and longevity. Pelican alone has several versions of the Wosp type starters but I'm not sure what the major differences are if one would be better than another.

I'm running a twin plug, 10:1 CR, 2.3L engine in my '71E LWT so I'm thinking a high torque starter would suit me needs the best.

Thanks in advance.

Stretch

Depending on how dedicated to the "LWT" part of it you are, something to be aware of, is that some of the starters that are claimed to weigh 8 pounds, are significantly heavier than claimed. There are quite a few different ones out there.

One carried by our host and made by IMI performance products does claim to be 8.1 pounds, and the shipping weight is listed at 9.45 pounds, so perhaps the weight is accurate. It's incredibly inexpensive, too, at $275.00.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/PELGESTHT.htm?pn=PEL-GE-STHT&bc=c&SVSVSI=0560

The Brise unit mentioned by Ian is 2.5KG (5.5lbs) is astonishingly light and has an equally astonishing price tag. It's also incredibly compact due to the planetary gearbox:

https://brise.co.uk/product/porsche-911-7635091axgac/?v=5435c69ed3bc

Another similar design, only slightly heavier at 2.6kg, but significantly less expensive, is the Powerlite RAC808:

https://www.powerlite-units.com/starters/rac808.html

[Ian Comerford]

It’s worth checking where the constituent parts come from as some use unbranded items which may not be the best quality. I understand that WOSP use Denso parts, so good quality Japanese and worth considering.

[Jonny042]

Originally Posted by Ian Comerford

It’s worth checking where the constituent parts come from as some use unbranded items which may not be the best quality. I understand that WOSP use Denso parts, so good quality Japanese and worth considering.

Ian, has your Brise starter stood the test of time? I stumbled upon an IB forum thread where you mention it, and was the first I'd heard of the Brise unit. Certainly an attractive option for a certified weight weenie like myself!

[boomvang1]

I changed to the WOSP starter about 4 years ago, Much lighter than stock, I have a stock SC, and this starter spins very nicely.