Difference between S4 and S5 starters? Need help fast.
 

I just bought a starter off someone on the forum that I was told was for an S5 TII, but there is an obvious difference between the one I pulled off and the one I just got. The one I just got is open over the gear, while the one that was on the car is mostly closed except for a small opening. The only numbers I found on the old and new ones were as such, but I couldn't find anything on either:

On the car now: 70881 9117

New supposedly S5 TII one: 74181 8219

Will they both work on the car or was I sent the wrong one? Or was the one on there in the first place not right? I need help pretty fast so thanks for any quick replies.

as long as its TII starter, u should be fine, no matter what series and if its open more or less.....

N/A 5-speed '86-'91 are the same
TII and Automatic starters '86-91 are also all the same.

So how do I know its one?

it it fits, then its one :D

It fits, and its not the right one, so much for help from you, lol

Anyone care to confirm the actual differences so I know what the real deal is?

Dude, listen to what the people have told you. There are only 3 starters for FC's, 2 of which are interchangeable but slightly different.

86-91 NA manual are all the same, the solenoid goes on top.

86-91 automatic are all the same, the solenoid goes on bottom.

87-91 turbo are all the same, the solenoid goes on bottom.

The turbo and automatics are interchangeable...the automatic has a slightly bigger drive motor because of the mass of the automatic torque convertor and fluid.

Between different years or aftermarket replacements, there might be slight casing differences, like the metal around the gears. This doesnt matter. IF it bolts up then it's good to go.

dp

higgi owns

Well if thats true then the starter is busted or something is wrong. 2am now so i'll check it out tomorrow.

Yup. The starters for the manual trans is different just looking at it. The "ear" is longer on the N/A and bolts are slightly off.

All turbo II starters are interchangeable. However, I have run across two turbo II starters that look different. I don't know if it was S4 VS S5 or a different manufacturer. I have pics somewhere of the two. I remember taking them as I was baffled...