Well, I was tired of getting the screaching noise at startup when it's cold and I didn't want to get stranded anywhere, so I replaced the starter.

First off, the starter noise happens only in the AM when it's cold and during the "start phase and immediately after".

If the car is warmed and I start it again, no noise.

Getting the starter off with a CAI is relatively, but it requires a LOT of strength to get that 17mm bolt off. You'll know which one it is if you do it. It is the one in the back where you have little leverage. Once it is off, you're home free.

The old starter (95SE) looked like it had 10 (maybe 8) teeths. The new starter has at least 12 teeth. I thought that it may not be compatible, but it is.

With the new starter in place, it starts up incredibly quick and it SOUNDS like a new-car starter. Almost has a "turbo" sound to it. Where before it would take 1-2 seconds to start, now it takes half the time.

So if you are thinking of changing the starter, be forewarned about that 17mm bolt. Get the biggest wrench you can get your hands on and
prepare to sweat. WD-40 didn't help much.

FYI.

 

Hehe! You said "teeths".


Good job on the starter.

 

I believe the old version is 8 toothed and the mid-1996+ newer version is 10 toothed. (Trust me... I counted)