Not even really worth trying to find out what really happened.

Maybe the starter's bendix spring didn't retract and busted the gear off the starter motor. Who knows.

Interesting that he thought to replace the starter at all when it seems he was trying to blame something in the engine.

Glad it was something small, and you got it fix. But as everyone said starter symptoms are very different from the original post.

...Does not compute.

Sorry everyone if you guys knew me I am the over reacting type lol but next time I'll research it a lil better...

when i installed my crawford plenum i accidentally caught the little rubber ring around the oil cap under the upper and lower plenum.. this caused air to draw in and make a really loud noise. could have been the same problem?

Doubtful, the kinetix is totally different.

oh i didn't know it was the SSV.. nvm

That does sound like exactly what happen those noises were scary lol but I mean anything could of been the problem I'm just glad its fixed that's all I care about. I know a lot of people are very confused about the situation but I guess it just was one of those "you had to be there kind of situations"

i'm not confused. i think i'm right for the most part.

the first time you installed it, you left out something or didn't tighten it, or MAF. You think started the car up and it died because the car was unable to compenstate for the amount of air. That ulimately causes your car to die.

You gave up, took everything off and reinstalled, this time you know you failed somewhere and took super care to tighten and reinstall. Now the starter part. either dumb luck on you needed it replaced or you replaced it for nothing. if the car turned over then it wouldn't be the starter, it would require some cranking time for everything to fire up.

But who cares now... your car works! Please do be carefully next time. Engine work is a touchy area where you just cant think you drop things, exhaust and suspension work hell yea. drop **** and it hits the floor but never damage done.

I think the confusing part for everyone is, why did you replace the starter?

I read through and it sounds like he just replaced it becuase it wasn't turning over. Thats what I got out of it.