ideola

Update:
Good news, I was able to make it to the post office today before they closed, so all of the starters were shipped out TODAY. So most of you should receive them sometime next week (maybe the week after for those of you overseas).

Thanks all for participating!

markl951

Woo Hoo Thanks Dan for fitting me in last minute. Thanks to schwank for pointing me in the right direction. See you in Portland next month.

schwank

Nice mark... will be there. Dropped the car off there tonite for Doernbecher with my fancy new Fordahl exhaust.

These starters work great! Very happy with mine from round one.

Keithr726

dang...

CurtP

My starter arrived today. Gave it a quick once-over and noticed that there's no origin of manufacture for the unit. That didn't give me a warm and fuzzy, but I went ahead and installed it anyway in my '87 951. I didn't have to clock the adapter at all, but I did have to grind down the long bolt by about 1/8". As others have said, I had to replace the ring connector on the Bendix to a quick disconnect. I was even able to reinstall the heat shield, although it will only be held on by the two forward bolts. Works as advertised, so I'm happy.

ideola

Thanks for the report. FWIW, the components are manufactured in Japan. The final product is assembled by IMI here in the U.S.

CurtP

There's no markings on the motor, housing or box that it came in that I could find. IMI puts their label on top of a label on the motor, which is just a part number. IIRC, the only thing visible is a QA stamp. The motor and housing look to be well made. No perceivable weight difference that I could tell between the 951 starter and the IMI. If I were to guess, I'd say the OEM 951 motor weighs slightly less, but I'd have to break out a scale to really know. The machined adapter looks well made too. No instructions or paperwork are included in the box with the starter.

If I were to complain, it would be the quick disconnect, the open starter pinion and the lack of a mounting point on the starter for the heat shield. The stock pinion is shrouded and supports the end of the shaft with another bearing. I prefer the ring terminal because it's a more secure connection. The heat shield is to be expected with any aftermarket starter. But these are minor nags and nothing that would stop me from buying one again. The price is right, the quality is there and it fits with minimal hassle.

I will hang on to my stock starter as a spare. Not that I'm expecting the IMI unit to fail, but I want to have a backup in case something does happen.

msailer

Got a chance to install my starter this weekend in my '83 NA 944.
It seemed to be on it's last legs, as cranking was getting slower and slower.
Stock starter weights in at 13lbs 8oz
'

GR Starter weights in at 8lbs 6oz


Yes, needed to replace the ring connector with a quick connect connector.


Need to index the starter by one hole.


On to the install on the '82 944

mike10562004

hummmm

ideola

For what it's worth, we are now a Rennlist "small business partner".

IMI has agreed to make the IMI-155 available for individual purchase for those that missed the group buys. We're offering a $20 off MSRP discount now through midnight EDT 24 December 2009. We're also happy to coordinate a third round group buy if demand warrants.

Merry Christmas :-)