I heard somewhere that the forklift starter motors were reduction gear unit but that doesn't seem very plausible to me since they're low comp

I had the same problem with my 12:1 a16. I got a new starter motor yesterday with reduction gears and starts like a dream now. I'll find out the brand for you. Cheers

Another option to try that might just be enough to make a difference, have a separate ignition power relay/switch, and crank the starter first, so the motor is turning over (but not trying to ignite the highly compressed mixture, which will try and spin the motor backwards with 10-14 initial advance and a slow spinning motor that the starter is struggling with. As soon as the motor has spun 1-2 revolutions, then hit the coil power switch, whilst keeping hte starter spinning. It might be enough. If not, well it didn't cost much to try.

Rezlo, do you have perhaps have some pictures, part numbers/names and what needed to be done.

This sounds like the kind of contraption that I would spend time on.

Yes it is common especialy on A14/5's when the compression goes over 11-1. My A12 starter wouldnt even kick the A15, the A15 starter burnt out in 3 days and wouldnt start under 30deg My whole starter conversion ran about R500 (under $100 au)

Is this a common problem on A series motors with high comp ratios or only isolated to a few.

B-Projects offer a factory Gear reduction starter.

Cost a few $$$'s though. ~Y52500 + shipping

park on a hill lol

I had a old ford V6 (common in South Africa) motor section of the starter grafted onto my A-series front bell section with a custom bendix and solonoid. Starts my high comp A15 like a rocket!

I am having big problems trying to start the rally car when hot with 12:1 comp.

Does anyone know of a better starter motor for the A Series.