Any luck using non-oem branded starters such as Delco Remy, Denso, or Bosch?

I noticed that the starters have different part #'s between 04-05 and 06+. Are the 06+ ones interchangeable with 04+ ? Should I assume the 06+ starters are "upgraded" starters? Or should all starters of any year be "upgraded" ?

The grind started after a long and brutal deflooding procedure. Are there any other sources of grinding noises at startup? Is it possible for a flywheel to get damaged during a deflood procedure?

 

All '04 and early '05 models innitially came thru with the "down"rated starter, subsequently upgraded via TSB (now invalid). Best to go with an OEM Mazda. People here have had problems with 3rd party starters.

Mazmart here sometimes has them for less than dealership.