Starter recommendation

[dipren443]

In desperate need of a new starter for my 1973 Z/28. I would like to go with one of the lighter weight starters, but don't want to spend a fortune. I may be doing an LSx swap in the near future, and have no plans on dropping the 300 on a Tilton at this point. What I am really asking, anyone have any experience with the Powermaster, CSR, or Summit Racing lightweight starters? The price of the Summit piece is tempting, but is it worth it to spend just a bit less than the comparable CSR or Powermaster?

Pic for views.



Thanks,
Nick

[justanova]

we run csr's on our dirt modified's...they seem to be pretty good. run one for a year and haven't had any trouble yet.

[Rubes]

The Powermaster XStorque units are awsome. I bought a Tilton, and it would barely turn over my 455 Pontiac. Ground connections were clean and solid and still not enought git-r-done. I really think it may have been a defective unit. Powermasters for me from now on!

[rocketman]

check your flywheel teeth,a 96 corvette is gm's own mimi starter,they work great,i use on my 396 lt1. there for 153 tooth flywheels

[speedster]

I have a Powermaster Ultra Torque starter. It is the first starter I have ever seen that comes with its own dyno sheet...no kidding.

[Pro-Tour Heavy Chevy]

I'd suggest powermaster as well. I was tempted by the price of the Summit and other Asian copies, but after seeing the build quality(USA) of the Powermasters and that you also get a dyno sheet with them I was sold. I use there Mastertorque by the way.

[HzEmall]

We use only powermaster at the shop, haven't had a bad one yet.

[dipren443]

Thanks for all the replies and input fellas. I will be ordering my Powermaster XS Torque starter this week. Now to figure out if I have a 153 or 168 tooth flywheel... I was just looking at a quick reference guide, and it looks like I could have either. What is the easiest way to determine the flywheel tooth count??? I have never had the engine apart so I don't know the converter bolt pattern or flexplate diameter, so I won't be able to tell by either one of those. Besides counting them...what are my options? Will looking at the existing starter gear help any?

Nick

[Rubes]

...Will looking at the existing starter gear help any?

Looking at the starter gear wont help because that is the same reguardless. I think counting is the best way. Oh, and make sure you get the right bolt pattern (straight accross or offset) for the starter mounting. Come to think of it, that may be one way to tell, but I'm not sure, so I would count, its not that hard.
Rubes