Ok I rearranged the wires as they are seated on the two posts on the starter. After turning the key, I now get that clicking sound, telling me the starter is getting power, but not engaging.
So I took the inspection cover off and snapped a picture of the starter as it currently sits. Bolted this way, does it look like the yoke will extend? Does it look like it will engage the flywheel if it did extend? What would prevent the starter from engaging, even though it seems to be receiving power now?
If I have to shim it, would that actually help it, or does it look like it needs to be moved (relative to this picture) up?
I took a second picture thats more straight up and down so you can see how close (how far?) the starter is away from the flywheel. Does this look right?
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I USED TO HAVE an 85 Camaro 305 4bbl, 90 Firebird V6, 97 Firebird V6 (10 speakers!). Despite the two family vehicles, 3 kids, wife and mortgage, I can finally realize the dream - 88 TA almost all stock... for now.
http://www.cardomain.com/id/untameddave
Wanted this -

, but ended up with this -

for free. Can't argue with free.