DIY: Starter Change Swap (for dummies)
#201
Super Moderator
OK...S1 (6 Speed) and S2 (6 Speed) uses exact same Converter Housing SJY6-19-211.
Also exact same ring gear BW60-19-020C for all AUTO's 4 and 6.
4 Speed has its own Converter Housing.
S1 Starter for all AUTO's it shows only ONE Starter, for either 4 speed or 6 speed from November 2004 production, the 6 speed Auto came AFTER that date, EPC says, NO Change in Starters.??
Do you want me to show you the EPC?
Also exact same ring gear BW60-19-020C for all AUTO's 4 and 6.
4 Speed has its own Converter Housing.
S1 Starter for all AUTO's it shows only ONE Starter, for either 4 speed or 6 speed from November 2004 production, the 6 speed Auto came AFTER that date, EPC says, NO Change in Starters.??
Do you want me to show you the EPC?
#202
weeeeeeeeee
iTrader: (12)
The housing mounted up without issue.... was a perfect fit... but that 8mm variance between the two gears is definitely an issue.
I'm sure the source is the housing... just a little confused as to why/what/how.
I'm sure the source is the housing... just a little confused as to why/what/how.
#204
Super Moderator
Here are some EPC shots..
So a S1 4 Speed Auto Starter will fit a S1 6 Speed Auto (according to EPC) which uses exact same converter and ring gear as a S2 6 Speed, but this S2 Auto Starter will not fit a S1 4 Speed Auto?...
So a S1 4 Speed Auto Starter will fit a S1 6 Speed Auto (according to EPC) which uses exact same converter and ring gear as a S2 6 Speed, but this S2 Auto Starter will not fit a S1 4 Speed Auto?...
#205
Super Moderator
Your last pic tells the story, sorry M8.
If Jason gives you a hard time tell him Ash from OZ will give him an international HEAD LOCK!..
![Slap](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/slap.gif)
Summary, a S2 Starter for Manual Transmissions will fit ALL Manual Trans S1's.
But S2 AUTO Starter will not fit a 4 Speed S1 Auto, but will fit a S1 6 Speed Auto.
If Jason gives you a hard time tell him Ash from OZ will give him an international HEAD LOCK!..
![Slap](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/slap.gif)
Summary, a S2 Starter for Manual Transmissions will fit ALL Manual Trans S1's.
But S2 AUTO Starter will not fit a 4 Speed S1 Auto, but will fit a S1 6 Speed Auto.
#206
weeeeeeeeee
iTrader: (12)
Well, if anything, I'm certainly a pro at swapping starters now. The N3Z2 went back in within 5 minutes time and I've verified I'm back to square 1 with a clunky a$$ S1 starter that spins my flywheel, albeit a little slow, but does the job.
#207
weeeeeeeeee
iTrader: (12)
For other auto owners doing their own swap, it's a very trivial process.
Follow Vyndictive's steps up to the point you start removing the bolts holding the starter onto the motor/transmission casing.
3 bolts ... one forward hidden from sight but easily reachable with a ratchet, one in the rear, again somewhat hidden but easily accessible with a wrench, and one down below, easily accessible with a ratchet.
Remove the top two first, then the bottom one.
Pull the starter out thru the rear.
Installation is the same procedure in reverse order. Be sure to do the bottom bolt first... it makes the other two a breeze.
If you can't get sufficent torque on the top front bolt from below, place your ratchet onto it from below then come down from the engine bay between the main fuel line and dipstick.
All 12 mm
That's all I got.
Follow Vyndictive's steps up to the point you start removing the bolts holding the starter onto the motor/transmission casing.
3 bolts ... one forward hidden from sight but easily reachable with a ratchet, one in the rear, again somewhat hidden but easily accessible with a wrench, and one down below, easily accessible with a ratchet.
Remove the top two first, then the bottom one.
Pull the starter out thru the rear.
Installation is the same procedure in reverse order. Be sure to do the bottom bolt first... it makes the other two a breeze.
If you can't get sufficent torque on the top front bolt from below, place your ratchet onto it from below then come down from the engine bay between the main fuel line and dipstick.
All 12 mm
That's all I got.
Last edited by ShellDude; 03-29-2013 at 06:48 PM.
#208
weeeeeeeeee
iTrader: (12)
I just got final confirmation on Autos for N3H2-18-400R-0B and N3R2-18-400 interchangeability:
2004-2005 - N3H2 ONLY
2006-2011 - N3H2 or N3R2
I highly recommend N3R2 for those that can afford it. Even though I couldn't use mine, it is superior. props to onlinemazdaparts.com for accepting my return request.
2004-2005 - N3H2 ONLY
2006-2011 - N3H2 or N3R2
I highly recommend N3R2 for those that can afford it. Even though I couldn't use mine, it is superior. props to onlinemazdaparts.com for accepting my return request.
#209
For other auto owners doing their own swap, it's a very trivial process.
Follow Vyndictive's steps up to the point you start removing the bolts holding the starter onto the motor/transmission casing.
3 bolts ... one forward hidden from sight but easily reachable with a ratchet, one in the rear, again somewhat hidden but easily accessible with a wrench, and one down below, easily accessible with a ratchet.
Remove the top two first, then the bottom one.
Pull the starter out thru the rear.
Installation is the same procedure in reverse order. Be sure to do the bottom bolt first... it makes the other two a breeze.
If you can't get sufficent torque on the top front bolt from below, place your ratchet onto it from below then come down from the engine bay between the main fuel line and dipstick.
All 12 mm
That's all I got.
Follow Vyndictive's steps up to the point you start removing the bolts holding the starter onto the motor/transmission casing.
3 bolts ... one forward hidden from sight but easily reachable with a ratchet, one in the rear, again somewhat hidden but easily accessible with a wrench, and one down below, easily accessible with a ratchet.
Remove the top two first, then the bottom one.
Pull the starter out thru the rear.
Installation is the same procedure in reverse order. Be sure to do the bottom bolt first... it makes the other two a breeze.
If you can't get sufficent torque on the top front bolt from below, place your ratchet onto it from below then come down from the engine bay between the main fuel line and dipstick.
All 12 mm
That's all I got.
Sweetz!
and i agree as well on the usage of N3R2
#210
I've been running an N3R2 on my 06 six speed auto for a couple years now. I checked the cranking RPMs using my accessport and noticed it only spins around 250 RPM. Is that normal? I never checked what it cranked at when it was new. I installed a new battery recently so I know its not that. What are other people's experiences?
-Lawrence
-Lawrence
#211
L8 BLOOMER
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
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Just installed Duralast Import/Starter (19473) | AutoZone.com in my '04. 1st start after installing had a bit of a misfire, but after that, she ran just fine. Couldn't be happier, thanks for the instructions on how to do it. I busted my head open trying to remove that first big bolt, but meh. Car is running smooth and I couldn't be happier.
However, at some point while doing it, my drivers side window controls stopped working =( however, that's a problem for another day.
However, at some point while doing it, my drivers side window controls stopped working =( however, that's a problem for another day.
#212
I just replaced the original starter in my '04 this weekend with the 19473 Autozone starter. Wow! The car starts instantly, at least compared to how it had been. I am very happy. I had my first hot non-start recently and now it fires up with no problem, hot or cold.
Some notes in case anyone cares:
- I did the change on Rhino ramps. I would not have been comfortable spending that much time underneath the car on a jack stand. But I'm a chicken and jack stands terrify me.
- all bolts were 14mm.
- the top bolt is held on by a 14mm nut at the other end, so place a closed wrench on the other end, or spend way too much time spinning the bolt/nut like I did. This was not clear to me from the original diy.
- I took off the lower bolt first, then the upper. If I do it again I will remove the upper bolt/nut first. I also re-installed the lower bolt first, using it to hold in the starter while I installed the upper bolt/nut.
- it probably took me two hours or so (including an oil change).
I may need a new engine soon, or not. But the upgraded starter is working fantastically so far. Thanks to the OP! (and everyone else)
Some notes in case anyone cares:
- I did the change on Rhino ramps. I would not have been comfortable spending that much time underneath the car on a jack stand. But I'm a chicken and jack stands terrify me.
- all bolts were 14mm.
- the top bolt is held on by a 14mm nut at the other end, so place a closed wrench on the other end, or spend way too much time spinning the bolt/nut like I did. This was not clear to me from the original diy.
- I took off the lower bolt first, then the upper. If I do it again I will remove the upper bolt/nut first. I also re-installed the lower bolt first, using it to hold in the starter while I installed the upper bolt/nut.
- it probably took me two hours or so (including an oil change).
I may need a new engine soon, or not. But the upgraded starter is working fantastically so far. Thanks to the OP! (and everyone else)
#213
weeeeeeeeee
iTrader: (12)
I too used rhino ramps. I hate having to get under my car with jack stands... even with the ramps I usually let it sit about an hour before doing any real work. Oh what I'd do for a nice beefy lift!
#214
even my plates are tinted
I have a '04 weak start issue (cold and warm) - and I have slowly put in a new battery and new plugs/wires. I was under there putting on a high-flow cat and couldn't really read off part numbers since it was all pretty nasty.
Is there an easy way to find out if it has the upgraded starter?
Or, what is the length of the new one since I read it's bigger than the old one.
Is there an easy way to find out if it has the upgraded starter?
![Ugh2](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/ugh2.gif)
#216
NW Florida TURBO
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Navarre FL, In my boosted 8...
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Just putting this out there, I just installed my new starter from autozone 100 bucks from an 07' rx8, the car starts up like a champ I was having hard starts when warm not anymore just FYI for ya guys
#217
hey guys im having the same hot start issue i just went under my car and looked and i have the n3z2 starter is this the best one or should i upgrade i dont have anything to check what rmp its spinning at and ive already changed the plugs and 3 coils
#220
How different is this DIY for an 04 AUTO
I want to replace the starter on my 04 AUTO....
Ok, I will make my question a lil shorter in hope of getting a response.
Is this DIY the same for the Auto trans starter change? If not can someone tell me any important differences?
and
Do the 04 Auto starters swap out for 06-08 models like the manual trans starters do?
Thanks
Ok, I will make my question a lil shorter in hope of getting a response.
Is this DIY the same for the Auto trans starter change? If not can someone tell me any important differences?
and
Do the 04 Auto starters swap out for 06-08 models like the manual trans starters do?
Thanks
Last edited by barondidit; 11-19-2013 at 11:59 PM. Reason: made shorter to hopefully make easier to understand
#222
Damn!
I wished my first question back from a long hiatus was not going to be answered by "its all right friggin there in front of your eyes". Seems like I read everything but those posts that I needed to know
. Anyway, thanks for your write up and for answering my questions.
![Frown](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/frown.gif)
#225
weeeeeeeeee
iTrader: (12)
got it.... I'm sure you picked up on how @!#!@# annoyed I was over the whole swap exercise. With that said the lifetime warrantied Autozone replacement has been working just fine.