I need a new starter motor. Thinking it would be a straight forward decision, I realised there are many, many options.

my situation: 1962 Australian built beetle, converted to 12v. Original engine is a 40HP 1200, however, this will very soon be upgraded to a Pobjoy base 1916. The bellhousing will be machined to suit the 12v flywhell.

1. Aftermarket vs Bosch: Has anyone had experience with aftermarket starter motors? do they work well? any issues?

2. Hi Torque starter motors: is this overkill?

I used a "bushless" hi torque on a similar low spec motor 1916
Main reason was my I thought my starter died but it was the bushing.
It was going to be a pain to replace the bushing with the motor in so it put one of those starters in.
No complaints at all. One of the few aftermarket items that is better than OG

I got this wonderful chinese one that has a reduction gearbox similar to a modern day starter design. HIgh torque similar to what Bizarre describes.
Turns over so easy and quick!

You will loose the oldskool 'eerp eerp eerp' starter noise but thats the cost of mod-con, reliable and strong.

It is something 'similar' to this: http://www.pacificcustoms.com/hitorque101.html 
but I didn't pay that much... you'll have to look around.

reckon that might be what I had Chris

Are Crankykits still available? Fitted one to my buggy years ago and never had a problem since.

+ 3 re Crankykits

Don't have my Beetle anymore. But did a write up when I fitted mine here > http://www.musicswapshoppe.com/VW-bug-bus.html 

It was great and meant I never had to replace bush that had worn out