at what compression ratio would one need to start thinking about upgrading to a hi-torque starter?

That situation depends on the camshaft as well as the compression.
Big cam with lots of lift and duration bleed off a lot of static compression at cranking RPMs.

I've started race engines at 12.1 on an automatic starter.
I've also had a 2332cc enine with a smaller cam and 9:1 struggle to start w/o a HT starter.

_________________
Gary

Turbo VW Sand Racer
Polaris Ranger



"If you don't run into the Devil every once in awhile, you must be going in the same direction!"

Davis Motorsports FaceBook Page

i have a 2332 with a c95 camshaft and a 10.6:1 cr. the stock starter doesnt even come close to starting it?? does this sound normal??

A good VW starter should fire that.

Where is your ignition timing set?
Try 8-10° initial and 28-32° full advance to start off with.

_________________
Gary

Turbo VW Sand Racer
Polaris Ranger



"If you don't run into the Devil every once in awhile, you must be going in the same direction!"

Davis Motorsports FaceBook Page

i have it set at 10*...what would make it spin so slowly.. i hope its not an engine issue?

Fresh engine?

You have a manual or automatic starter?
Manual starters rely on a bushing in the bellhousing.
If it's worn, that will allow the armature to kick sideways a bit and makes the starter drag.

Here is a manual.
Note the shaft sticking out from the gear.
It rides in that bushing.


Here is an automatic starer.
Completely self supporting, no bushing necessary.
A good upgrade from the manual.
Little more powerful too.


If you have an 091 tranny you may have this.
Still has the pilot shaft riding in the bushing but gear is longer because of the increased length of a 091 bellhousing.

_________________
Gary

Turbo VW Sand Racer
Polaris Ranger



"If you don't run into the Devil every once in awhile, you must be going in the same direction!"

Davis Motorsports FaceBook Page

Also, make sure your battery cables, clamps, GROUND point and connection to the starter are top notch and clean. I gotta take mine off and clean 'em from time to time. Those bolt on cable ends will rust under the strap and cause a bad connection too. Too long of a positive cable for its gauge can make the starter work hard also.

yea ive double an triple checked all my cables an connections, im really hoping its a bushing problem, i have a manual 091 starter so maybe a automatic hi torque will spin it fast enough. ha its really gonna blow if my motor is too tight..

My buggy has a 6 rib trans with a 3rib bell housing, I use the auto stick starter with no problems turnig a 10 to 1 subaru 2.2. I bought mine at carquest for 50 bucs and no core charge.

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"YOU CAN MAKE THINGS HAPPEN, WATCH THINGS HAPPEN OR WONDER WHAT THE F$$K HAPPEND...WE'RE MAKING THINGS HAPPEN" The strong words of Captain Phil! Rest in peice!