May 21st, 2021
Ordered a high torque starter from Classic Car Performance. This unit is significantly smaller than the stock starter motor and will spin the engine much faster than the original unit. This should lead to much easier starts.
308 Starter Removal ... With Pictures!
June 20th, 2021
The procedure referenced at FerrariChat was unsuccessful. Even after moving the clutch in and rotating the starter in every conceivable way, we could not sneak the unit out the driver side wheel well. The starter face continuously interfered with the header and clutch mount bracket.
Original Connections
After quite some time, the decision was made to attempt to pull the starter out through the passenger side. As the fluid was already drained, this was not a huge deal; however, we did have to remove the alternator, alternator pivot bracket, and alternator tensioner bracket.
After that, the starter could still not sneak out, as the dipstick tube was in the way. Once the starter was free of the transmission, there was room to remove the three bolts that hold in the solenoid. After removing the solenoid, we were able to sneak the unit out through the area where the alternator mounts.
When reconnecting the new unit, the electrical connections are not QUITE long enough. I had to open the retention bracket that was holding the starter wire onto the frame. Additionally, the new design requires the removal of the plastic housing tab that holds in the spade connector for the start signal. There are plenty of places to secure the lines below, so I added a few zip ties.
Original vs High Torque
Connected, installed
The high torque starter is a huge improvement over the original. While it was much more trouble than I was hoping, it is 100% worth doing. The motor spins so much faster during startup and catches much faster.
View from passenger wheel well.
Using a bathroom scale, the original starer weighed 20 lbs vs 7 lbs for the new unit.