[dwc]

Hi Vangelis:

There are actually two different gear-reduction starters. One was fitted from '86 - '89 (L-jet), and the other from '90 - '94 (Motronic). The Motronic cars have the same type flywheel as the '72 - '74 2 liters, while the '75 - 85 cars all have the same type flywheel. The difference is in the number of teeth, 131 v. 130. So, on your GTV, you're supposed to use a '90 - '94 Motronic starter, or the original 0.7.

Having said all that, I've never had any trouble using any year starter on any 2-liter car. And, many others have had the same success, such as using the 1.1 starter on a pre-'75 car that should have the 0.7, even though the #of flywheel teeth would tell you not to. But, I have heard of some guys having troubles with that interchangeability. Alternator-Starter Express is mistaken in listing the same starter from '86 - 94, whether or not they may be interchangeable. To be technically correct, you'd want the '90 -'94 starter for your '73.

I've had the gear-reduction starter ('86- '89) type on my '74 for years, and the ring gear looks perfect, with the same type starter on my '87, although it was original on that car.

I've attached a pic of the '86 - '89 gear-reduction starter from my '74. The weight is barely 7 pounds, or about half the 0.7's weight. I think the 1.1 was arround 16 lbs. I initially changed because I bought that starter cheap on eBay ($40), after I had a 1.1 crack the bellhousing on my '74. The gear-reduction starter also spins the engine much faster than any of the other starters I've had, and fires the engine instantly. Sounds like a Chrysler, too.

I used to have a pic with all three starters side by side, but can't seem to find it.

When I mentioned all this on the Alfa Digest a few years ago, the split seemed about 50/50, with just about as many guys telling me it wouldn't work as those telling me they had already done the same thing and liked it. Of the pro's that rsponded, Tom Sahines was adamant in saying I was looking for serious trouble, and I think maybe it was Jim Steck that said I was fine. I hope all that helps, although there's obviously still some uncertainty on the topic.

Regards,

Dean