Does anyone know the physical differences between a Buick 215 and a Land rover v-8 *
1.9HP denso* mini starter?
They have separate part numbers....
OK. Got a reply from Ted Schumacher at TSI
It's not the basic starter, it is the difference between a Buick and a Rover block. Buick block has a smaller hole for starter motor to pass through. So, the Rover starter will not fit into Buick block due to Rover having a larger mounting plate index guide. Ted
Ok so does that mean those of us who have used a Rover block use a Rover mini starter... OK. Is TSI the best solution for this?
Waiting for others to chime in.. But It appears as far as the denso starters go you should use the Rover starter with the Rover block...
I believe that is correct, although with the Buick block you can use a spacer ring with the Rover starter. Mini starters are also available on ebay, and from Jamie McClinton at Newport Start-n-Charge, (509) 447-0289
Jim
Jim do you know if Jamie is selling 1.6 or 1.9HP models?
I'm not that familiar with them Tony, you'd have to contact him.
Jim
It does look a lot smaller than the one I had on my 215. I'm pretty sure that thing weighed more too. Here's a pic of a Rover unit for sale on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LandRover-Range-Rover-Discovery-00-01-02-03-04-Starter_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3ca77c93f7QQitemZ260507997175QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#shId
Apparently Denso makes a 1.6HP and A 1.9Hp version....
Britishstarters.com and a place called the driven man sell ones that look like this..
(http://ferraris.server273.com/images/mgb%20starter%20pic%20ebay.jpg)
The ones being sold by Jamie apparently look like this..
(http://www.v8buick.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=142694&d=1246376470)
Hard for me to tell If they are the same or not.. Now just to confuse things more My engine will have a 4.6 block. a 4.6 crank. and a Buick 215 flexplate... So do I need a Buick starter drive and gear in the rover starter???
Don't think so. Just the hole size should be the thing.
I know Jamie has a real good reputation over on the Buick board. Many of those guys buy his mini starters to run on their big block built up motors and seem real happy with them. There have been several threads about internal parts details and apparently he uses OEM quality components where suppliers like the chain stores do not and his reliability reflects that. There was one incident where his supplier sent him some bad parts and it took him awhile but he replaced them all which is a good indication of his character. I'd expect his 215/Rover starter to be similar.
Jim