IMI vs WOSP starters - clearance issue?
The starter on my 1989 944 S2 recently stopped working. Unfortunately, it looks like the Bosch SR39X is no longer available. Upon reviewing my options, it looks like WOSP and IMI both produce starters for the 944. I've seen a few comments about clearance issues and the starter potentially hangs lower than the oil pan? I was wondering if anyone can verify this or if it just needs further adjustment?
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walfreyydo
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I have the IMI starter and so far its been good. In terms of the clearance issue, here is a photo showing how low it sits.
The blue arrow points to the solenoid, which hangs down due to how the starter needs to be clocked. I havent found another clock position that will work without major inconvenience, although the starter does allow for fully changing that position/rotating the starter. I do believe I played around with the clock position from how it came out of the box before finally just settling with where it is now.
Personally, with a lowered car, Im a bit uncomfortable with it being the lowest thing on the car with the potential for hitting road debris and it being directly bolted to the bellhousing/engine. If it were to hit something solid I worry that it could crack or severely damage the bellhousing, but maybe that fear is overblown?
The blue arrow points to the solenoid, which hangs down due to how the starter needs to be clocked. I havent found another clock position that will work without major inconvenience, although the starter does allow for fully changing that position/rotating the starter. I do believe I played around with the clock position from how it came out of the box before finally just settling with where it is now.
Personally, with a lowered car, Im a bit uncomfortable with it being the lowest thing on the car with the potential for hitting road debris and it being directly bolted to the bellhousing/engine. If it were to hit something solid I worry that it could crack or severely damage the bellhousing, but maybe that fear is overblown?
89 S2 Variocam, Megasquirt DIYPNP
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Interesting... the IMI unit tucks in quite nicely on my 1988 NA. It has an extra 1/4" of ground clearance over the oil pan. I did not clock the plate prior to installation, just mounted it with the factory position. However, I did hammer the aluminum shielding on the left side of the undercarriage to flatten it out a little, as fitment was snug on that side.
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chrischrischris
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The bosch starters have not been available for a while. Not sure I'd overthink sourcing a starter since there is no track record for any aftermarket starter regarding longevity. I put a new on on my car from some European manufacturing company I've never heard of before. It feels like a solid part and so far so good as far as performance. I know we all want to use quality parts, but sometimes that's not a clear choice. And at least with a starter you will probably get ample warning when it begins to fail.
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walfreyydo
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Ill have to see if I can get mine positioned like yoursNC944er wrote: Thu May 21, 2026 12:04 pm Interesting... the IMI unit tucks in quite nicely on my 1988 NA. It has an extra 1/4" of ground clearance over the oil pan. I did not clock the plate prior to installation, just mounted it with the factory position. However, I did hammer the aluminum shielding on the left side of the undercarriage to flatten it out a little, as fitment was snug on that side.
89 S2 Variocam, Megasquirt DIYPNP
Garage
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The WOSP starter does hang quite low in the default config, you can rotate the mounting flange to raise the solenoid, my 3inch exhaust hangs lower now.
I had to extend my wiring to make this work but it had been butchered at some point so maybe that's why it was short.
I had to extend my wiring to make this work but it had been butchered at some point so maybe that's why it was short.
I installed a Wosp last summer and my initial impression was that it was quite low, but once I had my exhaust (stock) installed I realized it was high enough, definitely not lower than my exhaust. I'm in the process of re-assembling everything. If I can i'll take a photo tomorrow.Bergerac wrote: Fri May 22, 2026 6:12 pm The WOSP starter does hang quite low in the default config, you can rotate the mounting flange to raise the solenoid, my 3inch exhaust hangs lower now.
I had to extend my wiring to make this work but it had been butchered at some point so maybe that's why it was short.
No, my wiring was too short to put it in the higher position as well. I just left it in the lower. Time will tell if that was a wise decision or not....Bergerac wrote: Fri May 22, 2026 6:12 pm ... I had to extend my wiring to make this work but it had been butchered at some point so maybe that's why it was short.
I have the Wosp starter and its fantastic. It hangs low though as, like others, my wiring is too short to rotate into the higher position. I have had it on for over a yearnow with no issues and I am running my car on coilovers and very low. Never hit anything yet.