Hey guys just started having some starting issues (been through the low comp, it's not that), so I'm gonna check my coils, install new plugs, and, the questionable piece here, a new remanufactured starter from Kragen Auto Parts (O'Reilly Auto Parts it's called now). Now, the guys at Rotorsport told me to junk it and buy an OE upgraded starter, but I had already purchased it so I'll give it a shot and worst case scenario I'll just buy an OE starter.

So I will update this thread after I'm done the install and let you know what how it works out.

Anyone else ever install one of these starters before?

 

most if not all chain auto parts store sells the same starter, just diff logo, thats all. If you want to be sure, then make sure your starter is the 2.0 kw NOT 1.4 kw. Most if not all of them will be 1.4 kw if you tell them ur rx8 is between 2004 to 2006, if you tell the its a 2007 or later, u will 99% get the 2.0 kw aka updated one. if yours is the 1.4 kw model, either change it to 2.0, or get a refund the get the starter from rockauto

 

Anyone any idea if the Ultima Import starter is 1.4kw or 2kw? Can't find it online...

 

When i put my vehicle info in on oreilly's website and look up starters, the Ultima starter is like 220 bucks and is says 2.0kw.

 

Price is why I'm worried it's not the 2kw one (I paid $154 without core rebate).


But either way, I got the starter installed, and it is quite different. Honestly, the first thing I noticed is that it's nearly silent and instead of a sickly metallic sound, it makes a very interesting, cool, swooshing sound. It cranks a little harder, but not as hard as I thought it would. So far It hasn't taken more than 3 cranks to get the car going, but I'm just waiting to see if it totally eradicated the occasional hard start.

Only weird little thing is that I am getting a weird new noise while cruising, it completely stops if I'm stopped, etc.

I'm going to keep my old starter just in case for now, all in all I'm pleased though.

 

Ohhh i see.

Well glad to hear its starting better! I will need to get a new one soon. Mine was hard starting the last week as well. And just tightened the positive on my battery and that worked wonders