Mostly stock '98 R, 150K miles. Comptech aluminum flywheel, but it's been on for over 100K, and I've yet to have a problem relating to it. Aftermarket head unit, but uses factory wiring. Standard Acura/Automate alarm.

In the last few months, I've had an intermittent starting problem. On the first attempt, I'll get nothing, not even a click from the starter. Clutch in/out once and attempt again - it fires right up and runs without issue. The same thing will happen every time I try to start her up for maybe a week. Then I'll go another week or so with no problems whatsoever. Then the same pattern repeats.

Over the last few days, it's been noticably worse. Instead of firing up on the second attempt, it's taken three or four. This morning it took three attempts to start the first time, and after stopping for gas, it took about eight tries to start her back up. Again, once the starter kicked in she fired right up and ran without a problem.

The battery's relatively new (less than a year), and it's not acting like a battery issue (no clicks from the starter). It been raining all day, so I haven't popped the hood yet to inspect the wiring. As mentioned above, I do have an aftermarket alarm and stereo, but the only problem I've had with either of them is a faulty door sensor 145K ago.

After some searching, I'm guessing/hoping it's the contact patches in the starter (all original), and for $18 and a little of my time, it's probably worth replacing. A local Toyota dealership has the parts in stock.

I know there's not much to go on here, but anyone have any other suggestions?

Cliff's Notes: mostly stock, problem starting, starter does not click, eventually fires up as if nothing's wrong, runs fine once started.