MT Starter

[VIPER1988]

Doing a 5 speed swap. How do I find out which starter I need? The parts store lists a nippondenso and a mitsuba. I don't have the original to be able to match it up.

[VIPER1988]

Anybody?

[HLW]

Either will work. The starters are made the the same external physical specs. If you were replacing an existing starter, then it would matter so you could return the core to be rebuilt.

[Dr_Snooz]

I'm pretty sure the MT starter is different. It's been awhile since I did the swap, but the starter gear is just slightly offset on one vs. the other. It's not enough to see with the naked eye, but enough that you won't get the AT starter mounted in the manual transmission. I just don't know how to ID the right starter from a parts list. You might want to take your AT starter in and get the starter that doesn't match it. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

[zenapup]

Doing a 5 speed swap. How do I find out which starter I need? The parts store lists a nippondenso and a mitsuba. I don't have the original to be able to match it up.

Well, mine is an 88 LX-i Coupe 5-Speed stock and it has a Mitsuba on it, so that is likely what you need, but not 100% sure just based on that information. Hope this helps!

[HLW]

The is a nippondenso and a mitsuba for the at and one of each for the mt per the shop manual. As long as you use one for the mt it does not matter which brand it is.

[VIPER1988]

i had them order both and compared them. Looks like one is direct drive and one is gear reduction. Other than that, the mounting holes and gears are in the same place. Will probably get the direct drive(Mitsuba) since its cheaper and I'm on a tight budget.

[Dr_Snooz]

Well, you have a 50% chance of that working. Head over to RockAuto.com and you'll see Mitsubas and Densos listed for both types of transmission. Mitsubas look different from Densos, but MT starters do not look different from AT starters within the same vendor. They look the same, but are just enough different to prevent mounting. Choosing one based on visuals alone is about as effective as flipping a coin. I'd be concerned about buying a starter from a place that can't keep track of these things.

Hope it works out.

[lostforawhile]

you want the gear reduction one