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MG MGA - '58 rebuild

I've made the decision to install a '66 MGB 1800 paired with a 5 speed tranny into my '58 coupe. Can anyone tell me whether a gear reduction starter is something that I would be happy to have installed? Or is there even one for a '66? Seems like the ones that I see on-line are for later models. Or should I just go with a regular ol' starter?

Thanks,
Pat

P.S. Any other suggestions of upgrades I might want to consider before the engine is replaced?
Pat10

Nothing wrong with the original if it's in good shape and all the battery connections are clean. A lot cheaper too!
Dominic Clancy

YOU WON'T REGRET THE GEAR REDUCTION STARTER,IT MADE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN COLD WEATHER STARTS. I GOT MINE FROM E-BAY,SARATOGA,NY. I WENT TO HIS WAREHOUSE AND PICKED IT UP. EASY TO DEAL WITH! GOOD LUCK, JOHN
John Gordon

I see the reduction starters on EBAY but everything I find says it is for '68 motors and newer. I don't want to order something on-line and find that it doesn't fit. I am told that I'm getting a '66 1800 with engine code GDUH (I think I wrote it down correctly).

Pat10

Ive got gear reduction starters in both my MGAs and never regretted it fot one minute. They both have 3 main engines. I bought mine here as it with in 30 minutes drive from my house! Goodluck!

http://www.gustafsonmachine.com/
Steven Devine

Pat

I have a high torque pre-engaged starter in my 5-bearing 1800. Like Steven I have never regretted it. It saves the occasional gnashing of teeth of the inertia starter. Also, it pre-engages from the unworn front side of the starter ring, thus avoiding the need to replace the ring if it was worn from the inertia starter. Finally, it saves heavy current going through the starter switch. This is mine: http://www.mgaroadster.co.uk/hi_torque_starter_motor.htm

Steve
Steve Gyles

My 1800 is also a 5 main and it is from a '66 MGB. The starters that I'm finding say they are for '68 on. I don't know if it makes a difference or not but it seems like they wouldn't put a year on it if it didn't matter.

?
Pat10

Pat

The ring gear diameter differs. On a 64-67 MGB it is 10.75" diameter. After that it is 11.5" diameter.

In fact the manual I am looking at says the 64-67 (18GB) flywheel assembly is for inertia starter only.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Thanks Steve. Maybe that is why all the gear reduction starters I find say that they are for '68 and newer. I guess I'll stick with my old one. It worked fine.
Pat10

This thread was discussed on 10/03/2014

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.