7 replies to this topic

[TopCatCustom]

Hi, I found this link but it doesn't have a definitive answer, if there is one!

As I'm building everything up from scratch, I can choose between pre-engaged or inertia starters, I'm yet to put a ring gear on a flywheel so there is no bias.

Is one actually better than the other? Weight wise they are almost exactly the same (including the solenoid), space isn't a concern as I have a clubman front.

A tiny race hi-torque type one would be nice but they are expensive! I'm going to look for possible alternatives as well as there may be one half the size from another car that can be modified to bolt on, but not holding my breath.

Any thoughts?

[Kerrin]

The pre engaged starter is better than the inertia as standard, especially if you have a later mini with the correct wiring for the pre engaged starter.

All of the hi torque starters are available for either type of clutch, so if you do intend to change at a later date it makes no difference, but again the wiring would be as per the standard pre-engaged.

All in I would go pre engaged and upgrade if you have the budget, or the standard starter struggles.

[Sprocket]

Pre engaged should always be prefered over the inertia, more so on a high compression engine.

The pre engaged starter is easily retrofitted into a car with inertia starter wiring. All wiring is identical except for adding a short 4mm wire that loops from the battery connection on the starter itself, to the starter solenoid posative terminal. The original solenoid on the wing still works as it always did

Simples

[Sprocket]

A tiny race hi-torque type one would be nice but they are expensive! I'm going to look for possible alternatives as well as there may be one half the size from another car that can be modified to bolt on, but not holding my breath.

Any thoughts?

The majority of hi torque starters are from another car, modified to fit

These starters are well worth the money, since they effortlessly turn the engine over at a lower current drain (aprox 120amps) and they weigh less as a bonus.

[TopCatCustom]

Cheers for the input guys, much appreciated.

I'll be doing the wiring etc too to suit, it's a bare shell build

Does anyone know of any suitable modern hi-torque starters before I start hunting?

[Dan]

When you are wiring remember the pre-engaged solenoid (including those used in hi-torque starters) will draw a lot more juice than the innertia solenoid, more than the ignition switch is designed to cope with. The solenoid should always be triggered through a relay with these starters to protect the ignition / start switch,

[TopCatCustom]

Not certain yet but it will either be through a relay or a heavy enough switch for the starter, maybe a decent size push button, it's removing another item to possibly fail then like a relay!

[Kerrin]

Both my Mini and our Mk1 Escorts are fitted with Brise Hi Torq starter motors, and they made such a difference.

There are a few other places that do cheaper ones, but as sprocket says they are converted from other cars. I cant think of a problem with that but I went for the Brise one from Mini Spares during a Vat Free promotion and it wasnt a lot more in the end.

I had to upgrade due to having starting problems with my Mini when it was hot, the new starter has completely solved the issue.

If you wire the car up for Pre engaged, try and allow enough length of wire for your chosen upgrade starter. The Brise one has the connectors on the end furthest away from the flywheel so I had to extend my wiring.