Doesn't seem like the search returns anything for me when I search for this issue so I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction.

I have a Spoon ecu, test-pipe, exhaust, intake, cams, and internal engine work (smog legal with smog equipment in place). The issue I'm facing is that the starter starts to crap out after a few months. I've replaced it 4 times so far. The symptoms start out as a slight lag before the car starts. It gets worse with time and when it's being good, and at worst it starts within 5 seconds of me pushing the key into the starting position before I hear the starter working. When it's being stubborn and doesn't want to start, it can take up to 45 minutes before I'm able to start the car again. The problem comes and goes but gets worse and more difficult to start after a few months of DD. It got so bad after 6 months I could only get the car started 75% of the time that I wanted it to.

All symptoms disappear when I change the starter with a new one. Eventually the problem shows up again. I was wondering if there's a specific starter I should be using. I remember someone mentioning how a modified engine might affect the alternator that could kill the starter. It might just be heresy but I'd love to hear any recommendations for a "sturdier" starter that will not crap out on me.

Thank you,
Nathan

 

is there any damage to the teeth on the starter? when its really bad, does it just "click" when you turn the key and the motor not try to turn over at all? have you checked the voltage to the starter?

I dont see this being an alternator or battery problem if you simply put in a new starter and it works fine.

 

Does it not turn over at all during this "lag" you speak of? If so I would check the neutral safety switch.

 

When I turn the key, the starter motor makes no noise at all. I've been through a handful of starters so I don't think it has to do with a faulty starter unit (unless something in my setup is breaking it). I'll have the neutral starter switch checked but would that cause the problem to worsen over time?

The lag gets worse and worse until it doesn't want to start. And it won't start for extended period of time. It's not like it overheats and doesn't want to work, it's sporadic and doesn't matter if the engine was running prior or not.

 

Well, I say sporadic, but it does rear it's ugly head more often as time passes by.