I just converted a 68 charger from a auto to 4-spd. I tried to start the car up for the first time today with the 4 spd. It has been a couple of years since I cranked the engine. When I tried to start it (battery fully charged) the starter barely turned the engine over and the starter also makes a bunch of clicking noises (or at least it sounds like it is the starter) sounding like something went bad with the starter. In the process or doing the conversion, I pulled the engine. When I was putting the engine back in, I shortened the stud that the large positive wire connects to on the starter because it was pretty much touching the block? Could this be the cause of the problem? I find it hard to believe that the starter just stopped working even though it has been 2 years since it has been used. I pulled the inspection cover off the transmission and the starter gear is fully engaging but there is just a whole lot of racket and the flywheel turns awfully slow. I don't mind changing the starter but being that it is fairly involved (disconnecting header, jacking up engine etc) I want to make sure that the starter is the problem. Could it be something else?

The racket is the clicking from the starter? Clean all the batt terminals/cables

Whats the chance that you have the trans linkage adjusted wrong ? It happens. The trans may have two gears partially engaged. Try spinning the motor with the clutch depressed. Also try spinning the driveshaft with the engine off and the shifter in neutral. If it spins, then the shifter linkage may not be the problem.

If the trans is okay, are you sure that the clutch is adjusted properly? Can you rotate the motor with a socket on the crank snout and a breaker bar?
Finally, the flywheel bolts could be too long and hitting the rear main seal retainer. You should be able to see the ends with the inspection cover removed.
Keep us informed as to the outcome. Its how we learn!

I couldn't tell where exactly the noise was coming from. When I was under the transmission and my friend was working the ignition it sounded like the noise was just getting all bounced around the bellhousing so couldn't pinpoint it.

Thanks for the tips on what to look for. I will keep you informed. Will do some more troubleshooting tomorrow.

We did have the clutch pressed when we were spinning the motor. I have not tried to turn the driveshaft with the trans in neutral. Will try that tomorrow. As far as the flywheel bolts, I think they are ok as I bought the entire conversion from Brewers and it came with the bolts so they should be ok.

Sounds like low voltage

I'm pretty sure the Bendix drive is bad. After that, the rellay.

what is the bendix drive?

Here is the typical Mopar gear reduction starter drive. Commonly miscalled a Bendix. PS they are no picnic to replace.

I will send a picture of the starter. I believe I got it from Paddock around 5 years ago or maybe summit.

Like I said above, if this wire were to short out on the block you would have a very hot problem being a direct link to the positive battery terminal.

if it is a mini starter,I could see the stud touching the block

on a stock starter like in the pic above..no way

next ?....does you starter look anything like whats in the pic???