Starter Choice and Specification

Roadrunner Starters offer the customer many options when it comes to choosing the right high-performance starter for the job. There are many considerations for the customer to make.

What are the performance requirements?

The starter must be able to start the engine repeatedly when required to do without generating so much heat internally that it fails prematurely. Starting an engine demands a certain amount of torque for cranking. When the torque demands on a starter exceed it's capabilities the low electrical to mechanical efficiency drastically increases internal heat.

When choosing a starter for your high compression, large displacement or supercharged engine with high rotational resistance, you can never have too much torque!

Other factors also play a part. Voltage is paramount, at least 9.5volts at the starter during cranking.

The starter circuit can draw as much as 500amps so the current carrying capabilities of cabling, terminals and switches, and the CCA rating and condition of the battery must be adequate for the task.

I'm using non-OEM components that may change the starter fitment and orientation.

Engine re-powers, header installation, flywheel and flex plate replacement together with a multitude of other engine component and vehicle modifications can make starter choice critical. Not only must the starter crank the engine but first it must physically fit the application!

To make starter fitment possible, Roadrunner starters are very compact and adjustable. They are available with “clockable” mounting plates that allow the starter to be rotated and orientated in a position that clears all obstacles. Our starters are also able to be “shimmed” to obtain correct pinion clearance when changes to flywheels and flex plates are made. Battery stud and terminal
configuration can be varied in many applications also. Of course some applications will still require a “custom” made starter rather than one of our 300 “off the shelf” models, often we can provide this service at no extra cost over that of stock units!

Do I plan further changes in the future?

It is possible to “future proof” your vehicles starter requirements by purchasing a higher performance or more adjustable starter prior to the changes that are intended at a later date. For a few dollars more the next level of performance can be obtained to ensure that once further modifications are made to the vehicle your starter will still deliver optimal performance and fitment.