I want to replace my stock starter with a high torque mini starter with an aluminum housing (cures heat soak issues). When I went to buy one, there were some choices, for example how many teeth are on the flywheel. There was 168 teeth, and 143, and others I think. I haven't got a clue.
One thing to note is that although my 77 came stock with a Turbo 350 trans, it was replaced with a Turbo 400. I don't know if that makes a difference.
I have had great luck buying these types of things on Ebay. I replaced the starter in my Bronco with a high torque mini, and the alternator with a 160 amp. Both work perfectly and cranked the truck easily in the dead of winter.
Anyway, I searched for starters and found several. When I searched for Pontiac starters, I got a few; but when I searched for GM starters I got more hits and lower prices too. Here is a link to my search for GM high torque starters. The more inexpensive, the better - my Ford Bronco high torque mini was $59 and works great.
So will any on the following link work form me?
http://search.ebay.com/pontiac-start...fsooZ2QQfsopZ3
Also, I am not sure if these starters have built-in solenoids or not. I read the following on a page about Pontiac starter heat soak issues "replace the solenoid spring with a heavy duty spring available through GM. This will make the solenoid engage when Hot. Then put a shield on the solenoid. "
Does this apply to my 77? If so, what exactly do I need to buy - ie. do they sell solenoids with the heavy duty spring and the shield already on them, and if not, where is a good place to get them?
I am not sure what the CCA is on the battery in there now, I'll have to look. But are there batteries made specifically to resist heat issue, or is there a particular battery that happens to work well for this issue?
Thanx!