Dave W.

Does anyone know of a better starter? My starter still works, but it cranks slowly. It looks stock and original, so I'm thinking of replacing it simply due to it's age. I've already checked for other reasons for slow cranking, my battery is good and only 6 months old, all grounds have been cleaned. Is there any hope of quicker starting or is this normal for these cars?
Thanks for any input!

Tom M'Guinn

Probably not what you are hoping for, but I can say that a starter rebuilt by Bosch itself (which comes in a fancy Bosch box, etc.) seems to crank better than cheap rebuilds from the local auto parts stores. I also noticed a clear improvement in crank power after replacing the very old factory power harness to the alternator and starter.

SamGrant951

http://garage.ideola.com/prod-ElectricsUpgrades.html

Dave W.

OK!
That vid tells me all I need to know.
thanks!

Tom M'Guinn

Ah jeez, thanks Sam, now I need one of those...

Paulyy

+1 the Hitorque starters from Ideolas garage are great. I've got one in my turbo.

They're smaller, and from memory require less amps to crank over.

willrobinson

This ^^^
Also, a little known fact, cheaper or old batteries are bad for starter motors as the voltage drops off when cranking and they induce more current to cope. I frequently test batteries in my work in machinery, Bosch and Varta are about the only few here in Australia that exceed or hold their Cold Cranking Amps CCA with age, most cheaper brands, don't even make their rated CCA spec brand new. It may be worth getting your battery load tested.

V2Rocket

a lot of 944s are still using old starters - they make a very distinct, laboring sound when cranking over.

a reman/new 944 starter will make the car crank unbelievably quick !

Dave W.

Yes I know. My engine is even more sensitive to a weak starter. It's a 2.85L with high compression. When cranking I can hear the engine nearly stop each time a cylinder comes up on the compression stroke.

Paulyy

I use to have one of those century batteries in mine. after 2 or so years it died, i couldn't crank the engine. Upgraded to a Bosch s4 battery. Best thing i've done. It never fails to crank. can't remember what the CCA was, but its far more than recommended.

V2Rocket

if you get a new 944 starter the first time you use it youll be confused, it runs so much faster the sound is very high pitched compared to what you're probably used to.

no experience with the ideola unit but i've heard its good too.