4 replies to this topic

[diogoteix]

I'm in the process of a total rebuild, from a 1992 Spi Cooper to something bigger (1380cc) and with a somewhat higher compression (close to 11).
We had a first try on cranking the engine yesterday and not much happened for many reasons (including the fact that the new management pulley had no "missing tooth" hihihi).
But besides that, I found out that the starter motor had some issues copping with the increased torque needed to crank the engine, despite having given him a 150A battery (just for testing purposes! I'm not trying to create an electric mini!)

Does any one know if those "high torque" starter motors sold by Med, Minispares and other really change the game, compared to a well functionning SPI starter motor (from 1984 on , they are somewhat stronger than before)?
Any experiences are welcome

Cheers

Diogo

[starletman]

I can only quote my own experience on this but i have a 1310 with a 10.5cr and i am using the starter of the 998 engine it replaced with no problems.Is the distributor in the correct place as if its to advanced it will not want to crank anyway.

[diogoteix]

I can only quote my own experience on this but i have a 1310 with a 10.5cr and i am using the starter of the 998 engine it replaced with no problems.Is the distributor in the correct place as if its to advanced it will not want to crank anyway.

Thanks for your answer. The setup is a wasted spark, distribution free, coilpack, managed by the ECU. But indeed, the advance needs to be checked and was clearly one of the main issues for our first try. With no missing tooth on the management pulley, the crank sensor could not detect the moment the coil was supposed to fire the sparks... It was not too retarded, it was random!
When an injected engine is correctly setup, it starts very rapidly in the first 2 seconds of cranking so if you managed to do it properly with a 998 starter motor, there should be no problem for me. Before my rebuild, with a standard SPI engine, I was even able to start the engine on flat ground by my own! Just pushing the car, jumping in and putting 2nd speed.
Cheers

Diogo

[pogie]

When my 1380 was new it struggled to turn over, 11.5:1 CR and tight engine was too much for the old standard battery. I fitted a type 075 Battery and it's been fine ever since.

Edited by pogie, 27 January 2011 - 03:03 PM.

[01smartc]

My race engine uses a high torque starter... worth every penny! flicks over at a decent speed and draws alot less from the battery.

An essential for a high compression motor

Chris @ Smart Performance