Every few months or so I decide I want to try and fix the starting issues my car has... so here I am again, trying to figure out what's going on. Any ideas what could be causing my car to lose signal while cranking? Voltage is down around 9.4V while cranking, but I've read this is normal... Losing sync for reasons 31 and 32, which are crank/cam as I recall. I've confirmed spacing on the crank sensor, and I don't have any issues while driving (high RPM, etc), which would seem to rule out the sensor or wiring. Any ideas?

Last time I dug into this I replaced the battery on the chance that might be the cause, no change. Cranking RPM seems quite slow digging into it - perhaps the starter is on its way out?

 

The NB starter is stronger than the NA version.

Both work better with clean connections between the main ground wire and the rear of the PPF. I also added a 10 gauge wire from the positive battery terminal to the alternator hotside post (with a fuse) and some other 10ga ground wires from the block to the chassis. I had issues because the giant Spal fan drew so much current with the A/C on.

 

Pretty sure I put the NB starter in when I did the VVT swap, though I recall it being smaller than the NA? I've cleaned the grounds in the engine bay and on the battery side but I will double check the PPF. What is a common cranking RPM for ~70 degree weather?

 

Yes, the NB starter is smaller but is a gear reduction starter so it makes more torque with less electrical draw.