You can have the starter DE-wound so it draws less amps, and turns over
faster.
Much like the slot car days.
Dewind the armature and you'll pick up mucho RPM, and draw less amps.

Sounds to me like the guy that did the work didn't growl the armature to
locate any bad spots in the first place.

Wanna buy an armature growler?.

Got one for sale.