One step forward two steps back. We started and drove our 1972 project 914. In my book that's a miracle! We put in a rebuilt 1974 2.0, here's the question today. When the starter engages we get sir a split second a loud almost grinding sound. Like I said less than a second. Everything seems fine, my car guy thinks maybe we are missing a plate or spacer that would move the starter off the engine a tiny bit. My other car guy says it will go away as the gears mesh over time. Any thouhsz? This forum has been a God sent! I cannot thank everyone enough!

Sounds like it may need some shims. This happened with some of the "high torque" starter replacements... the plunger went too deep. Spacing it back was a fix. It's good that you are questioning it soon, so you can fix it before more damage is done.

To begin with; stock starter or some FLAPS starter?

I put in a high torque starter that did the same thing. One washer shim between the starter and case offset it enough to clear the flywheel.

And congrats on the first start!

Thanks!