When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Just wanted to say thank you for all of the posts regarding starter upgrades for the 7.3.
I went with a Denso type unit from Napa(insert jokes here haha). So far so good and the store is just around the corner if I need to trade up for another.
What a difference this starter has made, it turns over so fast it's like a whole new truck!
Install was a bit of a pain, and only because I have gorilla hands and tend to drop things jussssst out of my reach. It is a tight fit, but no grinding involved. Longer bolts are required, 10x35x1.5 if memory serves.
The Denso starters actually made by Denso and costing $300+ are an actual upgrade because they are made of high quality parts.
”Denso type” starters also known as “ offset gear reduction” starters and may or may not be an upgrade depending on the quality of the parts it is made from. Hopefully Napa sells a decent quality offset starter because most of the Chinese ones are total junk.
Or go with DB Electric and have no more worry..only benefit of auto chain would be if failed., can be up/running in short order with their no fault life warranty..
The last NAPA starter I bought had the lifetime warranty. That doesn't mean it will last a lifetime, just means I don't have to pay for the next one. NAPA stores are everywhere.
The NAPA starter I bought before that only lasted a couple of years hence that's why I upgraded to the lifetime version. I tend to keep my rides a very long time so it pays for me to go with lifetime warranties.
I am going to try Alliant's products the next time I need something like a starter, water pump, etc. Alliant is "claiming" OEM-like quality on replacement parts. They may just have me convinced; I know that their injectors come from a supplier to the OEM's and I don't recall anyone ever bitching about any of their parts. The replacement parts foisted upon us by the chain auto parts suppliers are a joke!! I was going through replacement starters like fill ups - to the point I thought I must have a contributing issue with my truck, but no, it just turned out to be very poor quality replacements. Once your truck starts getting filled up with inferior Chinese replacement parts, you are lucky to make it down the block! BTW, the Alliant starter # is AP83000 and costs about $275.00 - totally worth it IF it lasts 12-14 years like the original.
The last NAPA starter I bought had the lifetime warranty. That doesn't mean it will last a lifetime, just means I don't have to pay for the next one. NAPA stores are everywhere.
The NAPA starter I bought before that only lasted a couple of years hence that's why I upgraded to the lifetime version. I tend to keep my rides a very long time so it pays for me to go with lifetime warranties.
I'm embarrassed to say I fell for that one too. After so many times replacing my starter, I let NAPA off the hook on that one.
My current starter.. Third O'Reillys special.. Has been the best one I've ever had. Spins as quick as a denso/gear reduction starter. I went with O'Reillys due to having a contact there.. VERY good prices 😁
Just wanted to say thank you for all of the posts regarding starter upgrades for the 7.3.
I went with a Denso type unit from Napa(insert jokes here haha). So far so good and the store is just around the corner if I need to trade up for another.
What a difference this starter has made, it turns over so fast it's like a whole new truck!
Install was a bit of a pain, and only because I have gorilla hands and tend to drop things jussssst out of my reach. It is a tight fit, but no grinding involved. Longer bolts are required, 10x35x1.5 if memory serves.
Same. I cannot wait around for someone to send me a replacement starter. This is my daily driver. I got the chinese version as well and it has been great so far. Pairs nicely with my AGM batteries.
Aaaaand it’s not a bad way to go about it. Certainly an improvement over the stock starter but I think I’d rather have an authentic Denso. Once my truck gets put back together I can send a video and you guys can decide. One thing is for sure, it does not sound the same as the same unit on a 6.7, (flywheel differences maybe?) as I had hoped. I also have a theory that the manufacturers got wise to people doing it and maybe that’s also the reason for my slight disappointment.
I did the 6.7 to 7.3L nose cone swap. So far so good.
I did the same swap, OEM Motorchraft 6.7 with 7.3 nose cone. I have reduced cold start crank time with more than 50% and all of my buddies are going same route. Melling LOPOP and T-500 HPOP together with a brand new 6.7 starter made the engine fire up like a gas burner. Very happy so far.
Last October I installed a genuine Denso starter, Northstar AGM batteries, Quick Start 160A alternator and doubled up on the positive and negative wiring. Truck turns over faster than my wives 2003 VW Beetle. The costs for the starter, batteries and alternator were a bit more than I would like to spend. But, the truck sits for a month or more at a time between uses and starts quickly each time after sitting. Money well spent in my opinion.
