Eagle Premier Starter

[congerz83]

Has anyone upgraded to the Eagle Premier starter? I'd like to do this because my stater is starting to go, and I would like to have a stater that actually sounds like it belongs on a car and not a ride-on mower.'

If anyone has upgraded, what did you do? Just a simple swap? Did you like the results?

I spoke with DPI Josh about this earlier, but I thought why not put this before everyone so we can have this topic on the site for others to find later...

[Ozzie]

Yup, on my last project, a starter change/upgrade was one of those 'while you're in there' jobs. See pic below, OEM and 1990 Eagle Premier (Dodge Monaco) side by side; that wire with the pin socket was the only mod, otherwise it blots right in.



Differences:
1) Smaller and lighter.
2) On a lower voltage battery the stock (original 29 year old) starter would crank a few times before it would catch. This newer one is much more robust on a lower weaker battery, and makes the engine fire up right away on a well charged battery.
3) Sounds cooler too, the original sort of sounds like a coffee grinder, this was has a modern "FHZZZZZT"-like sound - but again you'll only hear that on a weak battery condition.
4) I think it has less torque, but spins faster than the OEM, which is the difference in sounds.
5) Two words: Lifetime warranty. Rebuilds seem to have an iffy history with the Autozone and such, but so far so good.

Installation: I had the (Stage I) headers out, so it was super easy to put in, otherwise it would have been very challenging to remove/replace. I don't think a stock setup would be as challenging, but am not sure. If I do ever have to replace this (or "when"), I'm hoping the smaller size will allow me to do so, without removing the headers.




EDIT:
Someone please verify the hook up of the wire/pin extension above. I am fairly certain that is how it went in, but it would be good to have a second verification or correction.

EDIT 2:
Dang. I should have put me smirking, in 3/4 of the picture above.

EDIT 3:
For those reading in the future: Edit 2 was sarcasm based on recent events here at the forum.

[congerz83]

I don't thnk I'd be able to find one of those pin fittings at Home Depot..... hmmmm.

[Ozzie]

I don't thnk I'd be able to find one of those pin fittings at Home Depot..... hmmmm.

You can cannibalize it from the OEM starter (as a soldered splice with heat shrink tubing), or go to Radio Shack and get a new one.

[uhhair]

We have upgraded to the starter. It is a higher-pitched sound, but it definitely catches quicker than the old one did, and it's given us no issues since replacing it. It bolts right on, it's available from the major vendors, and the price is pretty reasonable. Unless you really have issues with your car staying all original, I'd definitely recommend doing it.

[TTait]

We have upgraded to the starter. It is a higher-pitched sound, but it definitely catches quicker than the old one did, and it's given us no issues since replacing it. It bolts right on, it's available from the major vendors, and the price is pretty reasonable. Unless you really have issues with your car staying all original, I'd definitely recommend doing it.

+1 Have one on my car - working great for 4+ years. Picked up another one for my wife's car a few years later but have not gotten around to installing it yet. You can also pick up that connector (its called a bullet connector in these parts) at any car stereo installation shop - they may give it to you free, if not give them $2 for two of them in case you don't crimp the first one on to your liking.

I think the one I got actually has and draws more power than oem, but it likely draws less power than a 30 year old one unless your solenoid has been rebuilt.

[Giamanut]

We have upgraded to the starter. It is a higher-pitched sound, but it definitely catches quicker than the old one did, and it's given us no issues since replacing it. It bolts right on, it's available from the major vendors, and the price is pretty reasonable. Unless you really have issues with your car staying all original, I'd definitely recommend doing it.

Bought mine at Autozone! 139. I think and I keep the Original!

[sdg3205]

What's the weight difference josh? Never hurts to shed a few!

[DeloreanJoshQ]

What's the weight difference josh? Never hurts to shed a few!

I didn't weigh them but would guess 10 lbs. difference. Someone else might be able to chime in.

[BABIS]

I didn't weigh them but would guess 10 lbs. difference. Someone else might be able to chime in.

very nice work, well done! do you have any reference number for this starter?