Delco Gold/Performance starters
Having to replace the starter on my 1997, as I am getting the dreaded single click. Very new premium battery and just for luck I replaced the starter relay looking for a miracle.
I had the desire to only buy a new starter, but finding a factory one seems to be impossible from all my local dealers (even Toyota) and the large CA and MA based online retailers. I did find that Delco makes a new one under the Gold/Performance line. One shop owner denigrated them by saying they reuse the housings, but all the guts are new. That does not bother me and they are reasonably priced. Anyone here have experience with that or want to offer an opinion?
Also, what gaskets should I get to do this job right? I also expect to replace vacuum lines that are old and brittle. Any suggestions there as well as the plastic connectors?
Any help appreciated.
rick
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...t=4152&jsn=422
discount code
https://www.toyotanation.com/threads...360084/page-28
I am a bit down on rebuilt, as Lexus of Nashville installed one in this car 50,000 miles ago for the second owner, which is why I am looking for a new one. I do not want to go through this again.
If you check parts.belllexusnorthscottsdale.com, you can find one for $169 from Arizona, they have never done me wrong and I've ordered a lot across the US. Most of the reason these die is oil contamination or heat, and the location of the starter on the SC400 doesn't help but they should definitely last more than 50k miles.
I went ahead and ordered from Rockauto everything needed, including the gaskets, seals and just in case, an assortment of vacuum hoses for old and brittle ones.
And, just for accuracy, the starter sold in AZ is remanufactured, as well.
https://parts.belllexusnorthscottsda...005006284.html
Last edited by Stairstars; Mar 1, 2026 at 02:10 PM. Reason: added info








