Jeff, can you update your program with the correct locations for
the starter bolt holes using my original plate? That would help everyone.
C. Smith

You don't want to do that Craig. It is too easy to match drill with
the starter you have. There are too many minor variations in Mazda rotary
starters. They will all work but the exact geometry varies in subtle
ways.
They all look pretty much the same. I own three different types.
Sometimes I have to measure them to tell the difference.

Paul Lamar


Paul

the idea for the future would be a true plug and play installation.  Why
could it not be possible to identify a starter of whatever year and
model,  tell all to get this starter and forget hand drilling holes
after you received the unit. doesn't your local parts shop carry such a
starter?

jeff

Well like engines there are many variations and people usually get a starter
when they get an engine. No telling what starter they may have. If you buy a
new starter from a Mazda dealer they are big bucks indeed.

Your motor plate will fit 13B's and 12A's dating back to 1970.

I would not even know which starter is the most popular and or the
cheapest. Different starters were used on manual and auto transmissions.
I am sure the 12A starter for the 1st gen RX7 is widely
made but how much longer will they be available? The car is already 20 years
old.

It is much cheaper to buy a half inch or 12 mm center punch and drill
two holes.


Paul Lamar


A Toyota Corolla starter maybe?  Or to stay Mazda (but with high
production numbers), how about a "3," 323 or MX3?

Matt

Many of those would work when you drill your own mounting holes.

Paul Lamar


Paul,

I'd also recommend leaving them undrilled to be match drilled to the starter.

One thought is three sets of holes.  One pair of holes lined up
at 10:00 clock, another pair at 12:00 O'clock, third at 2:00 O'clock.
This would allow three different starter models to be used.

Even match drilling install the first starter at 10:00 Clock,
so it leaves room for another set of holes later.

Tom

P.S. My '72 RX2 had that top mounted starter.  Starter bushings
were worn, starter remained engaged when the key was turned off.
Popped open the hood, and ran around to see if I could pull a
battery cable.  The "+" melted into the battery when I looked
at it!  Split second later... BOOM!  Battery exploded, spraying
me with battery acid as the top of the battery blew off.  Thankfully
I wore glasses and my beard protected most of my face from the acid.
Thirty years later I still remember moment of "what the heck..... BOOM".