My starter began to make that horrible screeching sound on a cold start and after doing some forum research, sounds like I need to replace it.... DAMN IT'S EXPENSIVE!!! Went to BKHONDA and found the starter but not sure which one to get?

Starter Assembly:
31200-PCX-A02 | Starter Motor Assembly (dsdhp) (denso) | Honda Replacement Part : Genuine OEM Honda Parts Dealer USA- BK Honda Parts

Starter, Core ID:
06312-PCX-505RM | Starter, Core Id (9742809-392)(428000-3920) (rmd) | Honda Replacement Part : Genuine OEM Honda Parts Dealer USA- BK Honda Parts

I'm going to attempt to do it myself and doesn't look that intense, just need some crazy extension and socket along with being very careful not to break the knock sensor.

 

Mine has been making the screeching sound for the 3 1/2 years and 57,000 miles I've owned it, still starts up right away, and only makes noise on the first start of the day and not every time. It's like on that Seinfeld episode where Kramer is test driving a car and they see how long it goes before it runs out of gas, I'm taking the same approach to the starter.

The second one is a remanned starter, which should be fine.

 

This problem has bothered me for years, and no amount of my nagging on the forums has gotten a solution besides "deal with the noise" or "replace the entire starter."

I swear there has to be a DIY rebuild fix out there; my current research points me to:

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/s2000-un...-pics-1115885/ (replacement of the entire unit)
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/uk-irela...-motor-904148/ (clean/regrease)
Rebuild your starter for less than $20 - Team Integra Forums - Team Integra (rebuild using Toyota/Nippondenso parts)
Need a new starter? - Honda-Tech (rebuild using Toyota/Nippondenso parts)

 

P.S. To actually answer your question -- the starter core will suffice, but that will get you a reman'd starter per the part description.

Alternatively, have you considered buying a used starter off a low-mileage, younger car? Junkyards or eBay?

 

I'll probably browse craigslist for the parts first then eBay. Does it matter if it's AP1 or AP2? My car is an 05 AP2.

 

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but the part numbers appear to be a same for AP1 vs AP2:
STARTER MOTOR (DENSO) for 2002 Honda S2000 COUPE
STARTER MOTOR (DENSO) for 2008 Honda S2000 COUPE

If you're going the used route, getting the youngest, lowest-mileage might be the "safest" option (but not guaranteed)... Getting one out of an early AP1 with 200k miles will probably have the same screech/issues...

 

my starter has made this screech on cold start for the past 10 years, 150,000 miles. I've considered changing it 10 years ago...that was 10 years ago. Still on the original starter, still making the noise.

 

Screech on brotha.

 

Don't hesitate to get the Denso reman. They're OEM on our starter so you can be assured that the reman unit is great quality.

Also, i ran my screeching starter for about 1.5 years and once i put a new one in, i didn't regret it one bit. The car actually starts faster (more instantaneous) and sounds quite different too (besides the lack of screech). It's really nice not having a car that sounds busted upon start up, much like a screeching belt you hear on hoopties in the ghetto. :P

 

Happened to be at my local dealer picking up a serpentine belt and gaskets, asked about the starter. Quoted me $480 clams.