[Woodz428]

I'd have to lean toward the stock starter with the engine you've described. Make sure it is a better quality one, but they have proven pretty reliable in my experience. Small things like number of balls in the starter bendix is what alters the quality of rebuild...in my mind. I ran a 428 CJ for many years and they are notorious for under hood heat. I think in the almost 20 years I owned it I replaced the starter once. I have a gear reduction one on our Coupe, but for the MKIII a standard style is what I have. I also use a mechanical fuel pump too. Same rationale.