What is the difference - internally - between a 70/71 455 Hi-Torque Starter and a “regular” 70/71 455 starter ? What makes it a “Hi-Torque” starter ?

 

The field coils are wired differently to draw more amps and produce more torque.

There was recently some discussion of this at https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...t-soak-168757/

 

Thanks Gary - I added my issue to that thread.

 

The larger windings in the high torque starter are indicated by the location of the strap that connects to the solenoid.

 

Joe can you clarify which is the High Torque Starter in your bottom picture - is it the starter on the right ?

 

The larger (longer) winding in the high-torque starter pushes the strap further away from the solenoid.

 

A word of caution. Notice the two different style field cases. The one on the left is the early style. It has a shorter narrow section. As Joe noted, high torque and low torque can be determined by the location of where the field strap exits the case. The high torque will be closer to the end of the case like the one on the right. BUT, the case on the right is a later style case with a longer narrow section, and both low and high torque field strap can be located at the same exit point on this style case. When looking at the later style case look for the number of straps that exit the case. 1 being low torque and 2 being high torque.

 

Great clarification, thanks!