I am getting started with building my naturally aspirated 540 . It will have 9.5 compression, standard 168 tooth flywheel. Who's starter is everyone using?

I've got the same engines and use stock starters (two seasons old)

Tiltons are good starters but then I discovered CVR starters. I am not knocking Tilton Engineering. Having had both a Tilton and a CVR in my possession, I would go with the CVR product.
The starter comes in a shrink wrapped package inside a cardboard box with complete instructions. Starter has more adjustability for a custom fit. The gear ratio is 4.4:1 while the Tilton is a 3.75:1.
CVR and Tilton both offer 1.9hp and 3hp models.
Tilton recommended that I buy the 3hp Severe Duty after they first recommended their 1.9hp version (which I had purchased).
I wasn't sure what I needed.
The CVR distributor, Racers Depot, seemed more in tune with the applications of the CVR product line. They said no problem using the 1.9hp version due to the 4.4:1 gear reduction.
Less expensive than Tilton, I paid $270.00 shipping included.
The CVR Protorque, Part # M5323, is what I put on my 540.
Call Racers Depot for CVR Starters at 800-235-0880.

http://www.cvrproducts.com/main.html
http://tiltonracing.com/superstarters/sonicflex.html

Great information. Thanks alot

Are these starters explosion proof for marine use

I've also used high torque starters and had a hydrolock problem (manifold leaking)that turned into change the ring gear because the starter literally ripped teeth off
My conclusion was , with 9.5 CR there's nothing wrong with stock plus it is easier on parts.

mopower,
True that 9 1/2 is not alot of compression, but what about the extra cubic inches? How long will a stock starter hold up?

That's great information guys for future reference. For what it's worth, I bought a 1998 boat in 2000 with 800SC's and stock starters. Never had a problem with them. Not only that, but when the motors are cold, I crank them until I have oil pressure before I start them.

Lmarth,
That's good to know. I never would have thought that could be.

Remember, most blower motors start out with much less than 9.5 : 1 CR so they will crank much easier than a built NA motor. --- JP

Most stock starters should work fine. If you're old enough to remember stick shift cars before they had safety switches on the clutches , you could put one in 1st gear and the starter would move the entire vehicle