Lightweight Starters?

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09-15-2013, 05:19 PM

Raucky

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Lightweight Starters?

Is anyone running a smaller starter and did it save you any weight? I've found some Ford Racing mini starters for small blocks that weigh 5lbs. I don't know how much the factory Miata one weighs but it looks huge and I'd guess it has to weigh a lot more than 5lbs.

09-15-2013, 06:55 PM

njn63

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Per Keith at FM:

Quote:

Originally Posted by http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=366816

With the introduction of the NB, Mazda gave us a new starter motor. It's quite a bit smaller than the NA version, and has a different bolt pattern for the bellhousing mount. Well, it turns out the 1994-97 automatic cars also have a different starter motor with the regular NA 5-speed bolt pattern.

If you want to install a lighter starter motor but don't want to lose one of the three mounting holes, the 1994-97 automatic is an option.

Weights:
1990-97 5-speed (and 1990-93 auto): 9.80 lbs
1994-97 automatic: 7.05 lbs
1999-05: 6.00 lbs

I swapped to the newer starter when I did a 6 speed swap and it's noticeably smaller. You can run the 99-05 starter on an older 5 speed but only 2 out of the 3 bolts will line up (it'll be fine).

Probably not the lightest solution, but a good start.