Starter/Alternator Installation

Hey, I'm currently deployed to Iraq. We've finally obtained the internet for my base as our deployment comes to an end, and I've been researching for maintenance/possible mods for when I get back.

My problem is that my starter was dying the last few days before we left to come out here. It's currently sitting in storage, but I have a bad feeling I'm going to have to tow it out to somewhere (unless y'all come to the rescue). I've been reading threads on starters in the forum, but no one had any how-to's. Sorry, but I'm new to everything...

Are there any how-to's on installing a starter with minimal tools, possible an alternator? If not, i'll have to tow it to a car shop and have to pay another person to do it (don't want to do that) because I doubt I'll be able to tow it onto base.

If I'm not able to do it in the storage, what $$ should I expect to have it done by someone else?

http://replacement.car-stuff.com/parts/carstuff/wizard.jsp?year=2000&make=MI&model=ECL-V6-001&category=F&part=Starter&returnurl=null&dp=true&showdc=true#top

From searching through threads, $164 is apparently a good price?

Man, I wish I paid attention to my dad when he fixed the car...

it should be fairly straightforward when you take a look at it, also the alternator should be similar except with a belt attached.

neither one looked that hard to get to, but then again i don't know everythign anymore.

i did it on mine. Pretty sure i posted a how to.
But if not will make one. or bring it to wahiawa and ill do it 4 free.

i did it on mine. Pretty sure i posted a how to.
But if not will make one. or bring it to wahiawa and ill do it 4 free.

Either would be a great help. I hate taking my car into places that I don't know the people.

Also, are there differences in starters? I'm seeing different versions... some made for the '00, other for '00-'05. And any such thing as hi-tech starters that may end up being more cost-worthy in the long run?

My main concern is getting my car into pristine shape before I start modding. Trying to follow that "modding the 3g guide"....

Well, I am not sure about the performance starters, but as for the pristine condition before modding thing...make sure you dont end up simply replacing something instead of just upgrading it to begin with. Example would be clutch, brakes, suspension..things like that. If something needs to be replaced, and there is a performance product available, dont just get an OEM replacement if the aftermarket part is better (and probably cheaper). You can make your car pristine with new aftermarket parts. You are doing the right thing right now and making sure the very basic functions of your car are working properly before spending money on something else like an intake, wheels, ect. As for the alternator, i would try and find a place that will make a high output alternator for our cars because that will improve EVERYTHING that is connected to the electrical system (especially a sound system.....it is a must with a sound system because overloading your alternator is really bad for it, and can end up frying your wires if you dont upgrade and continue to run massive ammounts of amperage through the stock alternator). Even if you dont plan on putting a system in your car, it is still a good idea to at least look at a H/O alternator because it will help with a lot of other areas of the car. Good luck with everything.

Call up Starters and Alternators in Kalihi (Bright green building on nimiz) Thell got what you need, and probaly for a good price to.

Thanks rodbls... I'll make sure I do that when I look into getting new brakes and alternator. I was about to get a basic alternator for when I got back.

808, is that the name of the place? I seem to remember seeing a green building on Nimitz, but I'm not sure

Thanks rodbls... I'll make sure I do that when I look into getting new brakes and alternator. I was about to get a basic alternator for when I got back.

808, is that the name of the place? I seem to remember seeing a green building on Nimitz, but I'm not sure

yep thats the name (kinda funny anit it)