Fitting R31 Skyline starter on RB30 Patrol

[dom14]

Nissan R31 Skyline starter motor = RB30 Patrol starter motor

These two starter motors are interchangeable

Mechanically the R31 starter fits to RB30 Patrol perfectly.
However, the starter solenoid connector is different.

The way I fixed that issue was by wiring a brand new wire with a matching connector for the
R31 starter. I left the original Patrol starter solenoid connector plug/socket as it is.
The reason for that is that I can use both starters without having fiddle with wiring or connectors when
ever the need arrives(as one starter suddenly dies or I kill it by cranking on gear to get the car moving
in a situation where I can't start the engine)

The starter solenoid wire from the starter solenoid connector plug is coloured black with a yellow stripe.
Follow that wire upward and it joins the plug/socket board next to the battery.
From there, you can tap a new wire to it by clearing the a bit of the wire and soldering it.
In my case, I didn't have to do too much other than opening up a tap that was already there and using solder
to join the new wire. The old joint was to get the ignition key power to LPG cold start solenoid(so the
cold start solenoid only activates when cranking)

I discovered that the R31 starter is way better than the stock starter(or rather the rebuilt replacement from the auto sparky)
R31 starter turns faster and has lot more grunt than the $200 rebuilt stock replacement from the auto sparky. R31 starter is BOSCH while the RB30 Patrol starter is Hitachi. So, I'm guessing that may be the reason?!
And not to mention R31 starter only cost me $25 including postage.
If I knew this earlier, I could've saved $175, save my time and get a better starter delivered to my door step.

The reason for me to have a second starter is as a backup for long treks.

[dom14]

I'm only certain the R31 starter is compatible with the RB30 Patrol. From what I've heard, VL commodore one is not(I think the teeth doesnt match).

You pull the starter from the bottom. The top bolt need a ratchet with the universal joint & a long extension to get to it from the front of the engine, just under inlet manifold. 14mm socket. The bottom bolt can be easily undone with a 14mm spanner, either from the top or the bottom.

I am being told the VL commodore starter fits the RB30 Patrol. If somebody can confirm this, that would be great.