Is There Only One Starter Available For Pro Mazda?

I bought a rotary compression tester to check the compression on my engine. The compression is very good, but the rpm’s during the test was only 172 rpm. Apparently its supposed to be closer to 250. It’s a brand new starter and battery, and the wiring looks good. I use a car battery with cables plugged into the connection at the back of the car, when starting.

Are there any other options for starters?

I kinda remember someone talking about a better battery that spins the starter faster. Anyone know what that is?

If your engine will only spin 170 rpm it's probably hard to start. My car will be very hard to start at less than 250 rpm.

What does the voltage drop to while cranking?

I don't know what the PFM uses for a starter, but if it's a stock Rx8 starter there were two kinds for manual trans cars. The early S1 starters were lower KW but I don't recall what exactly (1.2kw maybe). I think in 2007 the S2 starter was higher KW (2.2kw?) and might have had an extra tooth on the gear. Later starters definitely crank better. If it's a stock starter on your PFM, I'd think any 2007+ manual starter should work. I'd look for a 2008 or 2009 on RockAuto and see what you find. I could be very wrong on that though - never worked on a PFM.

If you just replaced the starter with a reman one, it is very possible you got the lower KW version. Even then, it should still spin it enough to start it. I have a 2005 Rx8 and the S1 starter was noticeably slower to crank.

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Originally Posted by reidhazelton

I don't know what the PFM uses for a starter, but if it's a stock Rx8 starter there were two kinds for manual trans cars. The early S1 starters were lower KW but I don't recall what exactly (1.2kw maybe). I think in 2007 the S2 starter was higher KW (2.2kw?) and might have had an extra tooth on the gear. Later starters definitely crank better. If it's a stock starter on your PFM, I'd think any 2007+ manual starter should work. I'd look for a 2008 or 2009 on RockAuto and see what you find. I could be very wrong on that though - never worked on a PFM.

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The starter mounts to the bellhousing of the Hewland FTR transmission, so I can’t just get a RX8 starter. I’m on the RX8 forum too trying to figure this out.

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Originally Posted by M.Sauce

If your engine will only spin 170 rpm it's probably hard to start. My car will be very hard to start at less than 250 rpm.

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Yes it seems hard to start. Any ideas? Do you know what the part number of your starter is?

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Originally Posted by mikey

What does the voltage drop to while cranking?

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Mikey I’ll have to check that. I’m going to Willow Springs for a track day tomorrow. I was there 2 months ago and it was 24* when I got there. It was definitely hard to start then. It push started no problem.

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Originally Posted by mikey

What does the voltage drop to while cranking?

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Mikey I’ll have to check that. I’m going to Willow Springs for a track day tomorrow. I was there 2 months ago and it was 24* when I got there. It was definitely hard to start then. It push started no problem.

To the best of my recollection there is only one starter that was approved for when they were a spec car. It is a Bosch unit and I think that they were available new and rebuilt. The new ones were FAR superior to the rebuilt units but in both cases the battery had to be in prime condition with a good jumper battery to spin them fast enough for quick starting when the engine is cold, especially if the engine has a lot of time on it and the apex seals are a bit tired. The engine has to spin fast enough for centrifugal force to move the seals outward to make compression.
I don't recall the Bosch number off the top of my head and I don't have time to dig up my notes at the moment

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Originally Posted by Fred Michael

To the best of my recollection there is only one starter that was approved for when they were a spec car. It is a Bosch unit and I think that they were available new and rebuilt. The new ones were FAR superior to the rebuilt units but in both cases the battery had to be in prime condition with a good jumper battery to spin them fast enough for quick starting when the engine is cold, especially if the engine has a lot of time on it and the apex seals are a bit tired. The engine has to spin fast enough for centrifugal force to move the seals outward to make compression.
I don't recall the Bosch number off the top of my head and I don't have time to dig up my notes at the moment

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I replaced the starter that it came with, with a rebuilt Bosch unit, so it should be the same one. I’m just trying to confirm that it was correct from the beginning.

If you could check when you have a chance I’d appreciate it.

Like I said, I am pretty sure that there is only one . Something, something 32X sticks in my head for the part number but that could be completely wrong. I will look but it will probably be sometime in June before I have the chance.
A call to World Speed Motorsports might get you an answer faster or call Star Race Cars

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Originally Posted by Fred Michael

Like I said, I am pretty sure that there is only one . Something, something 32X sticks in my head for the part number but that could be completely wrong. I will look but it will probably be sometime in June before I have the chance.
A call to World Speed Motorsports might get you an answer faster or call Star Race Cars

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Bosch SR34X sound right? That’s what’s in my car now.

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Originally Posted by Extreme1

Bosch SR34X sound right? That’s what’s in my car now.

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Yes that sounds correct

Thanks Fred!

The car started easily at WS using the jumper battery. It must have been the cold temperature that was making it difficult before. It was 86* when I was there.

Thanks to everyone else too.

Get an Antigravity Lithium Battery and it'll crank your engine fast no matter what starter is in it! I haven't used a jump pack in 2 years. -Kevin

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Originally Posted by kflyer

Get an Antigravity Lithium Battery and it'll crank your engine fast no matter what starter is in it! I haven't used a jump pack in 2 years. -Kevin

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Thanks Kevin, that’s the battery info I was looking for! Do you have a part number for the battery for the PFM? Which one are you using?