My starter is going out, and it looks like 2006 Evo 9 starters are $400 or more. Since I have to replace the thing anyway, it seems like an ideal time to remove some weight from the front end.

Does anyone know of a replacement starter that is lighter than the Mitsu OEM? The V8 guys can save 7-8 lbs by going with mini-starters, but I can't find anything like that for our cars.

 

I don't know of any lightweight counterparts for a starter, but I can tell you that an Evo 8 start will bolt up to an evo IX and it's much cheaper. The only difference is that the copper lead on the starter solenoid is offset and must be slightly bent to reach the stick IX wiring harness.

-pal215

 

Never heard of a light weight starter. Especially since the evo starter is already tiny and you would be talking about fractions of a pound.

As a cost save. You can use the starter out of a 2003 V6 Eclipse. I picked one up from a junk yard for $40 a few years ago. It also cranks faster and has more tq due to the gearing.

 

Thanks guys.

I have heard the VIII starter would work with very little changes, good to know it is so simple to swap one in. I didn't know about the eclipse starter.

Now that I look at the actual part, it is pretty small and light already, probably not a lot of weight to be saved.

 

The factory beat you to it, the starter is the length of a ball point pen.

 

LOL, I was about to say we already have a tiny starter. The "mini" starters you're referring to are for V8 guys whose stock starters are about the size of a half-gallon carton of milk. The starters they get are about the size of our Mitsubishi starters..

 

the starter turns over faster because its a more powerful motor, gearing is same. . about 1 inch longer. stock starter is pretty light to begin with, the longer starter only 1lb more. worth it if you are running a high compression engine or small battery.