Gang,
I just got off the phone with Bill Ward (really friendly guy who was very generous with his time) of Aerospace Components, the company that builds the PowerFlight starter for Tempest. He tells me their product:
- Uses roller bearings instead of bushings to reduce internal friction
- Is so low friction it can be turned by hand
- Produced higher torque than stock
- Requires lower amperage while turning (20% for the 12V; more for the 24V)
- Has up to 50% lower peak inrush amperage
The only real drawback I noted is the weight; it's significantly heavier than the lightweight offerings of other manufacturers. Mr. Ward warned me, however, that many people are reporting the lightweight starters are prematurely wearing their starter adapters. He attributes this to the fact they (the lightweights) incorporate an internal gear which results in the starter turning some 17,000 rpms, which is higher than the starter adapter was designed for.
If anyone has any experience with the Tempest starter please share.
Thanks,
--Mark