IMI vs WOSP starters - clearance issue?

[Bergerac]

This is where mine sits after rotating

PXL_20250621_045937872 (1).jpg (2.17 MiB) Viewed 109 times

[Sansho]

I installed an IMI starter today, and it’s a fraction shy of 5/8” from the oil pan fins to the starter (with the oil pan being lower). Installed as received. I did have to tap the aluminum shield a bit on the left side, and the stock M12x50 bolt (goes through the bell housing on the left) wouldn’t tighten due to hitting the new starter, however, an M12x45 worked just fine.

[NathanDB]

The former Bosch Starter & Generators division now operates independently under the name SEG Automotive, and they still produce new starters. Atleast in Europe these are sourced quite easily and not that expensive either, paid around 200 EUR for one. I don't like the positioning of the high torque starters, on my early 944 I had to clock it in such a way it was hanging lower than the pan.