engine and drivetrain E30 M3 Starter Upgrade on the tii: Definitely worth doing

[jgerock]

After seeing the FAQ thread on the Bosch SR-440X starter (E30 M3 with S14 engine), I decided to order one from BLUNT.

The weight and size difference is amazing. The engine spins much faster now.

Note the "Do not strike with hammer" warning sticker

It is still Made in Hungary since I last saw this on Keith Kreeger's website

Simple connections: # 30 post from positive battery cable, # 50 spade terminal from ignition switch. I didn't have to change the factory wiring.

I put some electrical tape over the hot lead for now until I find a protective boot (like a spark plug boot). Note the gap between the new starter and tii throttle body support bracket.

[penth2o]

Perfect timing Jim.

I was just about to hit the pure Tii site to reference or refresh my memory of what I read last year as I will be ordering one of those in the next two weeks.

Thanks for reminding me of this.

Quick question as I have you on here.

Where are you getting the alternator and what model number for the Tii.

Don't need nothing super special or Hi output. Still the stock Tii I have with the addition of fog lights. Thats it.

I am a lazy bastard. Just trying to save searching for 500 or so posts.

Thanks Jim.

[pureaudio]

I am also sold on the M3 starter since my 75 came with one, not to mention how much lighter and better looking it is.

[jgerock]

Perfect timing Jim.

Where are you getting the alternator and what model number for the Tii.

Don't need nothing super special or Hi output. Still the stock Tii I have with the addition of fog lights. Thats it.

Bosch AL40X for the tii. I got mine a few years ago from BavAuto http://www.bavauto.com/shop.asp

BLUNT might be less expensive.

[jgerock]

Not sure of this but the outside of the housing may be date coded when the unit was remanufactured in Hungary (July 31, 2008)??

[penth2o]

Thanks again Jim.

Yes, Blunt is the main place for me. Even if it is cheaper elsewhere I don't like the wrong info or part and the hassle of returning it.

Thank you Jim.

ps. went to look/get a squareback in Lansing and it sold in less than two hours after listing. Apparently Vee Dubs are in demand in lower Michigan.

[eurotrash]

Got one coming myself!

[penth2o]

Jim, Trash.

Would it be wise to fab a quick bracket to extend to the end of that starter for support or no need.

Thanks.

[fiftytakedowns]

No need IMO my big starter doesnt have a bracket and it is fine.

[adamm]

Yep, I installed an M3 starter on my tii 18 months ago and it's brilliant - gone is the minutes (or so it seemed) of cranking to get it started. My car was never a 'happy' starter but it's so much better now.

A highly recommended upgrade.

[jgerock]

Jim, Trash.

Would it be wise to fab a quick bracket to extend to the end of that starter for support or no need.

Thanks.

As already mentioned, there isn't any need to make extensions for the (2) starter bolts. Just make sure the throttle body bolt is secure in the block.

[jgerock]

Jim, Trash.

Would it be wise to fab a quick bracket to extend to the end of that starter for support or no need.

Thanks.

As already mentioned, there isn't any need to make extensions for the (2) starter bolts. Just make sure the throttle body bolt is secure in the block.

[BillWilliams]

This cap bolt make the install sooo much easier

[fiftytakedowns]

This cap bolt make the install sooo much easier

What are the dimensions on those?

[carrosene]

I just did this to my car and it is great. The car had so much trouble starting before and now it starts instantly. Also, I found it funny how hard people would say it is to change the starter. They should try to change the starter on a 66 Thunderbird. The 2002 was a piece of cake compared to that.