Hi Richard and Karl, 

Very confidence building info.

Sounds like I have two good options for a back up starter.  
Though tempted to keep one in my shop I’ll probably for now just keep the info in my travel Bentley.

If a coupon or Black Friday deal happens though I’ll be very tempted.

I expect the lower power one is just fine.  The one I use now feels almost a bit over powered for the job.  But, it does create confidence.

I almost wonder if the super powered version could do some harm.  But the starting sound is impressive.

Thanks Karl for such a good product and for the starter recommendations and links.

Eric Caron 
85 GL Auto 

> On Apr 23, 2021, at 12:12 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET> wrote:
> 
> All I know is----Your adapter plate and the SR0408X starter motor has been 200% reliable over the last 4 years.  On a Subie EJ22 motor, manual tranny.  Nary a wimper.  Ugh....that IDI Hi-Torque starter motor was a nightmare.  Bump-start every morning from Missouri to San Diego, and a few times throughout the day too.  Some Hillbillys at some gas station in the middle of nowhere...they pushed my Vanagon.....super friendly and helpful guys...and they gave me a thumbs up and I gave them a "mweep-mweep" from my horn as I drove off.
> 
>    On Thursday, April 22, 2021, 9:23:47 PM PDT, Karl Mullendore <tdiguru@westyventures.com> wrote:  
> 
> Yes, I still have the Multivan and the starter is still doing great! Latrical
> (California Alternator and Starter) has some competition from Bosch now
> though - you can but a new SR0425N for $128 from Rock Auto"
> https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=5415429
> Many of my adaptor customers go this route. It has slightly less power but
> still far more powerful and faster cranking than the original starters. The
> TDI version, SR0408X, is only a requirement for diesels, V8s, and other large
> or difficult to crank engines.
> 
> Karl
> westyventures.com
> 
> On Thu, 22 Apr 2021 20:31:53 -0400, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
> wrote:
> 
>> Karl Mullendore makes a adaptor for the vanagon allowing the use of a TDI
> gear reduction starter.
>> 
>> 4 years ago I purchased it and a starter.  Dennis installed it along with
> the 2.3 motor and updated transmission.
>> 
>> I’m Stil in early stages with the van but wow, that starter really turns
> that motor over with authority.
>> 
>>         I’m considering having a spare starter on hand at home but am also
> considering just keeping the starter info in the bus in case I need one on
> the road.
>> 
>> The starter I am using is still available from Amazon.  And The adaptor
> works great.
>> 
>> So, if I were to be silly and eventually keep a starter here does anyone
> have a recommendation for a starter or shall I keep on with this one.
>> 
>> Karl, if you are out there do you still have the multi van you put this in
> back in 2017?  If so how is the starter holding up?
>> 
>> Anyway, I have to give this set up a good thumbs up.
>> Link to starter
>> https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007ZJ7Z9S
> <https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007ZJ7Z9S>
>> 
>> Eric Caron
>