Thanks to Ed for contributing this article.

In 1989 Ford began using a newer style starter called the "Permanent Magnet Gear Reduction" starter. It weighs half as much as the old style starter that our cars came with: the old one is about 30 lbs., and this one is about 15!. The new starter provides more torque and requires less juice to operate. This upgrade is a win/win situation all around. The PMGR starter can be had purchased from your local salvage yard for as low as $20. Here’s a list of potential donor vehicles for the better starter:

Vehicles that use the PMGR starter compatible with the 3.8L, 5.0L, and 5.8L:

• (1996-92) Ford Bronco 4.9L, 5.0L, 5.8L w/ AT
• (2002-92) Ford E Series 4.2L, 4.9L, 5.0L, 5.8L
• (1998-92) Ford F Series 4.2L, 4.9L, 5.0L, 5.8L
• (1991-90) Ford LTD Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis 5.0L
• (2003-94) Ford Mustang 3.8L
• (1995-92) Ford Mustang 5.0L
• (1997-90) Ford Thunderbird 3.8L, 5.0L
• (1992-90) Lincoln Mark VII 5.0L
• (1990) Lincoln Town Car 5.0L
• (1997-89) Mercury Cougar 3.8L, 5.0L

Vehicles that use the PMGR starter compatible with the 2.3L:

• (1993-92) Ford Mustang 2.3L
• (2002-91) Ford Ranger 2.3L, 2.5L
• (1999-94) Mazda Pickup 2.3L, 2.5L

You could also purchase this new from your local auto parts store. Just give them the year and model and engine size of one of the above examples. New, they range from about $85 US and up.

(below) The old starter is on the left; the new one is on the right (these are for the 5.0) :

There is one wiring change that must be made for the new starter to work on your car. Here’s a picture of that change: