• Back to Reviews STARTING POWER By Rob Reaser • JP Magazine If we were to wager a guess, aside from delivery vehicles, we'd bet that trail-driven Jeeps probably see more engine starts than your run-of-the-mill suburban commuters. Frequent stops to enjoy scenery, assess a trail section, waiting for others in your , caravan to complete a crossing and, of course, the occasional stall all make your Jeep's starter work overtime. And let's not forget the benefits (and abuse) of clutch-free starting on those particularly steep inclines. The simple fact is, backcountry Jeeps can benefit greatly from a solid, torquey starter, and none that we've ever seen can beat MG Industries' Mean Green gear reduction units. We'll tell you at the outset that they don't come cheap. At $299 a pop direct from the manufacturer, the Mean Green starter will put a little dent in your wallet, but the benefits... well, you decide. Heavy-duty construction and extreme reliability are the primary hallmarks of the Mean Green starter. To begin with, the MG features five sealed ball bearings which to increase mechanical efficiency and reduce wear (compared to stock starter bushings), and hold up under extreme conditions (i.e. water intrusion). Additionally, the MG sports an integral solenoid. It will not corrode, doesn't let moisture in, and it is heat-sinked to prevent overheating and insulation breakdown. The company claims that the starter provides 300 percent more torque than stock units. We asked Industries' head Paul Lundquist to elaborate. He explained that the combination of bigger, heavier high-grade copper windings, the 4.4 to I gear reduction configuration, and the bearings all contributed to the phenomenal torque output. In fact, he said, in most cases, the MG exhibits nearly 200 percent more torque than stock starters. Assisting torque transfer to the engine is the MG's stainless steel mainshaft, which, unlike stock starters, provides direct line engagement. The rotating assemblies do not have to go through a shift fork mechanism, which further increases mechanical efficiency, power transfer, and reliability. Under load, the MG turns faster than a stock starter, and slower under a no-load condition. Being such a torquey little monster, you might expect the MG to pull significant amperage from your battery. Not so. Lundquist explained that under normal operating conditions the MG's amperage draw is actually less than that of a stock starter, although under a locked up or tight engine condition, the MG does have the capability of pulling more amps simply because of the units' greater output capacity. Another trick feature of the MG is its adaptability to various engine configurations. Thanks to the rotating nose adapter, the starter can be turned in 20 degree increments (by adjusting two Allen bolts) to clear headers, oil pans or other interfering underhood equipment. Finally, MG Industries told us their starter is good for 35,000 starts (about six to seven times the life expectancy of a stock unit), and they back the MG with a two-year unconditional guarantee. Given all of the above, perhaps that $299 price tag isn't as far out of the ball park as you first thought, is it? If you would like more information, or to order a Mean Green starter for your Jeep, contact MG Industries, Dept. Jp, Post Office Drawer 336, Laughlintown, PA 15655; (412)238-7319, FAX (412) 238-7476. MG Industries, Inc. 3 Imaging Lane Derry, PA 15627 P: (724) 694-8290 • F: (724) 694-8292 info@mean-green.com