Starter (Automatic Trans) [Early Bus/Vanagon]

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Starter (Automatic Trans) [Early Bus/Vanagon]

Product:	003-911-023E
Works With:	1972-1991
Manufacturer:	GoWesty
Difficulty:	Requires a full tool set and broad mechanical knowledge.

Receive 5% GoBucks credit when you purchase this item online.

Proposition 65: This product may contain chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

A brand-new OEM-style starter for Vanagon automatics—with a smart upgrade!

This is our exclusive, brand-new reproduction of the original Bosch starter made for Vanagons with automatic transmissions. It’s faithful to the original design—affordable and reliable—but here’s the truth: these starters demand a like-new wiring system to crank consistently, which is a tall order for any 30+ year-old Vanagon… especially an automatic.

Why? Automatics have several extra electrical connections that sap voltage before it reaches the starter. That’s why we’ve added our Starter Load Reduction (SLR) Relay—a clever little upgrade that removes 99% of the strain from your vintage wiring. The result? A strong, dependable CRANK! every time you turn the key.

Brand-new GoWesty starter + GoWesty SLR relay = rock-solid reliability.

Works with any displacement waterboxer engine—including our 2700cc.
Exclusive to GoWesty—built for longevity and confidence.

Don’t just replace your starter—upgrade your starting system.

Sold outright. No core charge.

Fits: 1972-91 Bus and Vanagon with automatic transaxle

Will NOT fit diesel.

For the full story on our lengthy experience with various iterations of Vanagon and Bus starters—we encourage you to read this article.

Starter Relay Instructions

We highly recommend installing our Starter to Alternator Wiring Harness Upgrade Kit when replacing your starter. Delete your old and corroded wiring while simultaneously improving the performance of multiple systems. If you retain your factory original wiring, you may need to delete the jam nut and washer from the starter solenoid post to obtain more stud length. This is perfectly safe, and will not negatively affect the durability or longevity of the starter solenoid.