Hi r ward ,

Unfortunately , yes indeed "hobbico" branded starters are the same as my "Thunder Tiger" starter , and if you want a starter that truly performs you must look to a company like Sullivan (maker of the "Dynatron" and "Megatron") . I know both of those are crazy pricey (the Dynatron I own is a $126.49 unit and the Megatron will run $270.24 brand new) but the used market frequently turns them up for bargain basement prices , I got my Dynatron in a package deal of used RC components for $50 which included 3 small OS engines , about 20 Hitec servos , and a huge handful of unused wooden props .

You will not hurt your starter and will see plenty of power with the cheaper starters if you hit them with 24 volts . I know you mentioned a 4 AH battery , if you were to try two 7 AH 12 V gel cell batteries in series for 24 volts applied you'll turn over that Magnum .46 just like my TT starter cranks my 2.70 Saito .