A few weeks before the crash, I had noticed a funny noise immediately after starting the Jeep.  A couple people noticed it and told me the starter was hanging up on the flywheel.  I was planning to take the starter off and see what I could do to remedy that problem, but I hadn't gotten around to it.  Then the engine blew and forced my hand.

Almost as an after-thought when Jeff and I were going over what to do, it occured to me that they'd be swapping the old starter over to the new engine.  I realized this would be the perfect time to get the starter I had been wanting since I new it existed - the Mean Green Gear Reduction Starter.  I added it to the list of things Jeff would do at the same time he dropped the new engine into the Jeep.

There's not much to show, and since installing a starter is really little more than bolting it to the block and hooking up the power, I don't have any install pictures.  But I knew the starter was there the first time I cranked the engine.  It spins the engine much faster and it starts easily.  It almost sounds like the starter on an airplane engine with an audible gear whine.

Here's the manufacturer details.  Needless to say I am very happy with it.

Mean Green Gear Reduction Starter The Mean Green Gear Reduction Starter is the answer to all of your starter problems. The Mean Green Starter provides 100% more torque than an overweight stock starter. With a 4.4 to 1 gear reduction, roller bearing support, and an integrated solenoid, the Mean Green Starter can crank any engine no matter how high its static compression. Superior Design Easy Installation 1/3 Smaller Than Stock 100% More Cranking Power 300,000 Mile Life Expectancy No More Hot Start Problems 2 Year Unconditional Guarantee The Mean Green Starter's 3" tool steel driveshaft is supported at both ends by bearings. The stainless steel pinion shaft is externally splined to mate with the larger diameter, internally splined driveshaft. Even the armature in the high-speed motor is supported at each end with bearings. All totaled, there are five bearings in the motor and gear assembly. That's one reason we include a 2-year Warranty at no charge on every starter, (Commercial and Racing applications carry a 1-year warranty). Another is the heat resistant, integrated solenoid which continues to operate even at extreme temperatures. Mean Green Starter's are compact in design to provide additional oil pan and header clearance. The starters for Ford and AMC/Jeep applications can be rotated in 20' increments to allow for better header clearance. The GM starters have dual bolt patterns for both the 12 3/4" (153 tooth) and 14" (168 tooth) flywheels. Mean Green Starter's are available for both gasoline and diesel applications. They include... Race Cars Off-Road Vehicles Motorhomes & R.V.'s High Performance Vehicles Commercial Fleets Trucks SUV's Government Applications OEM's Private Label MG Industries will also build starters for special applications at an additional charge. Other products available from Mean Green... NHRA Approved Flywheels Heavy Duty Clutches Private Label Products High Amp Alternators Dual Battery Systems MG Industries Inc. designs, manufactures and markets products for the automotive industry. MG Industries, Inc. 1 Imaging Lane Derry, PA 15627 P: (724) 694-8290 • F: (724) 694-8292 info@mean-green.com