'97 K1500 Suburban 5.7L Starter Choices

[df2x4]

Had a small issue starting my Suburban today while leaving a store. The starter seemed to engage, but the engine only turned a tiny bit and then the starter lugged and stopped. I waited a few seconds then hit the key again and it fired right up. It's done this a handful of times in the past couple years, so I'm suspecting that the starter is on it's way out. Which brings me to my question...

What is the best option out there for a replacement Vortec L31 5.7L starter? I see that a new GM replacement part is no longer available, just GM/ACDelco remans. I'm looking at the GM 10465389 (ACDelco 323-1064) but I just want to know if anyone has any other suggestions before I pull the trigger.

 

[Orpedcrow]

*DONT use a cardone unit.*

Now I may be thinking of a different vehicle, but I thought there was a compact starter that was readily available. I feel like it was a denso unit

 

[Orpedcrow]

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Might’ve been this one I’m thinking about. I know the regular one is heavy and not a lot of fun to replace while laying on your back in a gravel parking lot in the dark with no Jack while you’re in the middle of a road trip so everything under the truck is 200 degrees…

 

[Orpedcrow]

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These are the two denso units I was thinking about. They have an even smaller one for the corvette but looks like the bellhousing mount is different. Both of these part numbers are available on the bezos shopping network.

 

[Caman96]

There’s definitely choices beyon Acdelco.

1996 CHEVROLET K1500 5.7L/350 Chevy small block Gen I Starters Parts & Accessories | Summit Racing

Find 1996 CHEVROLET K1500 5.7L/350 Chevy small block Gen I Starters and get Free Shipping on Orders Over $109 at Summit Racing!

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[Caman96]

Forget that one^^^ has bad reviews. This one has great reviews.

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[SUBURBAN5]

Forget those 2 this one will never leave you stranded...lol jk. Sorry couldn't resist

 

[df2x4]

I see that there are other options besides the GM/ACDelco remans, but are there any benefits besides the smaller size of the gear reduction styles? Is the longevity of one option likely to be any better than another?

The factory starter on this truck has lasted over 26 years. Normally I'm all for replacing broken stuff with something better, but in this case I'm not sure I have any reason to.

 

[Orpedcrow]

I’ve never had to warranty a denso part, I have warrantied acdelco reman parts. That’s my experience.
If anything the gear reduction starters might last a little longer in theory, they don’t have as big of a motor so they don’t draw as much current so they dont get as hot.

 

[smdk2500]

I know this is apples to oranges but I have a powermaster on my 6.5. I don't know how fast it cranked when the OE starter was new but going from when I bought the truck 3+ years ago it is a night and day difference. My other truck with the TBI 5.7 I just put a reman from carquest on it and it seems to crank just as good as the 240k mile one it replaced. Both of the starters are a PMGR starter.