7 replies to this topic

[Rick Anderson]

I am building an engine with a pre-verto clutch and plan to replace both the flywheel (with a lighter unit) and starter with a high-torque Since this is the perfect opportunity to change, should I switch to the pre-engaged starter and flywheel or stay with the inertia? Also, is it a direct change or are there other parts involved? Thanks in advance. 

[nicklouse]

My lightweight pre verto flywheel is for use with a pre engage starter. As they are “nicer” to the ring gear. Which on mine is not replaceable.

[imack]

I'd imagine any aftermarket "high torque" starter, be it inertia of pre engaged will actually be a modern pre engaged unit that has a pinion designed to mesh with an inertia ring gear.
The pinion will engage with the ring gear before it starts spinning whether you have an inertia or pre engaged flywheel.
I have an older Powerlite slimline 'inertia' starter motor and an inertia ring geared KAD alloy flywheel. No wiring mods were needed and the original inner wing mounted push button starter solenoid is still in place and functional, but the pinion engages with the ring gear as per a pre engaged setup.

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Edited by imack, 23 March 2023 - 08:19 PM.

[Earwax]

Hi rickAnderson

 

As to your answer....... either will work , and will work well but as the posts above suggest the pre-engaged starters tend to be kinder  ( assuming matched teeth)

 

Now as to forum decorum ( is that a thing)  I will provide un asked for answers as well  . ( But seriously something for you to consider)

 

Are you planning to replace the backing plate, diaphragm and possibly clutch plate at the same time. If so - the prebalanced 'kits' are better value. (Don't go silly light/ultra light in a road car)

 

And of course matching starter motor and ring gear teeth ...... excerpt from MED website

 

  Inertia setups have 107 flywheel teeth and 9 teeth on the starter motor pinion, whereas pre-engaged feature 129 flywheel teeth and 11 on the pinion. 

 

A word of caution here, I have had to remeasure and correct the 'throw'  - in my case throw out - new flywheel crept up the crank slightly(relatively new crank as well) closing the distance in the ring gear to starter motor face  ---- so a new spacer had to be fettled in one instance and in the second instance - had the starter motor shaft altered  Good luck

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

I'd imagine any aftermarket "high torque" starter, be it inertia of pre engaged will actually be a modern pre engaged unit that has a pinion designed to mesh with an inertia ring gear.
The pinion will engage with the ring gear before it starts spinning whether you have an inertia or pre engaged flywheel.
I have an older Powerlite slimline 'inertia' starter motor and an inertia ring geared KAD alloy flywheel. No wiring mods were needed and the original inner wing mounted push button starter solenoid is still in place and functional, but the pinion engages with the ring gear as per a pre engaged setup.

Where can you get Powerlite starter motors?

[stoneface]

Google...

https://www.powerlite-units.com/

http://www.minispare...|Back to search

http://www.minispare...|Back to search

http://www.minispare...|Back to search

http://www.minispare...CE.aspx|Back to

[imack]

I'd imagine any aftermarket "high torque" starter, be it inertia of pre engaged will actually be a modern pre engaged unit that has a pinion designed to mesh with an inertia ring gear.
The pinion will engage with the ring gear before it starts spinning whether you have an inertia or pre engaged flywheel.
I have an older Powerlite slimline 'inertia' starter motor and an inertia ring geared KAD alloy flywheel. No wiring mods were needed and the original inner wing mounted push button starter solenoid is still in place and functional, but the pinion engages with the ring gear as per a pre engaged setup.

Where can you get Powerlite starter motors?

Got mine from MED

[Ethel]

If you have the choice I'd expect the pre-engaged flavour to be a bit better. Actual inertia starter pinions engage the ring gear from the opposite side so the tooth profile isn't optimised for the way you'd be using them.