Changed motors but used same fly wheel and starter along with same trans. now all I get is grinding of the starter. everytime I pull the starter off and put it back on it might start once with trouble then just bad grinding. only thing that has changed has been where we put the ground wire (to the back of the alternator).

 

Why would you put the ground wire on the back of the alternator?
It goes on the engine block.

Most of the time this grinding is because someone is trying to use the wrong starter, the auto and manual transmission starters are different.

Are you sure you are not hearing the the over-running clutch slipping in the the starter drive?

 

Not hearing anything but gears grinding and no turning over of the motor. never thought of there being two diff starters, wonder why Autozone never asked? As for the ground wire on the Alt bolt, I guess I thought I had a mechanic! Thanks for all of your replys