Fidanza installed: now have starting problems

[Groomz]

I just had the usual ACT2600 + Fidanza aluminum flywheel installed in my 1990 AWD Talon. I delivered all the parts to a competent local shop to have them install it. They call me up later and say they have the parts in and now the car is having trouble starting. Replace the starter right? So I have them do that. No change. I head down there and take a listen while the Tech starts my car. After making a horrible metal banging metal sound, it starts on the fourth try. This is with a new Misu starter. WTF, you might ask? I did. The part # on the flywheel was correct for my vehicle, so I am pretty sure that the correct, if defective, part was installed. My question: Is it possible I have had an FWD flywheel installed, a defective AWD flywheel installed, or am I completely SOL? Fidanza's website lists a production change on 4/1990 for the AWD flywheels, but my car was manufactured on 12/1989 and the part # 161691 was on the box for the flywheel. If Fidanza's part is defective, should they pay for the cost of the flywheel and the additional labor, or if the wrong part was sent, should the supplier pay for those parts and labor. Taking a look under the car at the backside of the flywheel, it looks as if the ring gear on the starter side of the flywheel has the black paint chipped off of it. Both the supplier and Fidanza have told me they have never run into a problem like this, and since many DSM owners have had these parts installed, am I just that unlucky?

 

[ntjoe]

I was under the impression that a FWD Flywheel will not fit in the bellhousing of an AWD, but I could be wrong. Did you see any missing teeth on the flywheel? I'm just guessing but I'm thinking wrong flywheel but you already knew that. When it did start did it sound normal?

 

[Groomz]

Everything was normal when I dropped the car off. He called me and told me that the car was starting funny after they installed the flywheel. I got a new one today and it looks alot like the one they took out, but made out of aluminum ( Duh ). So I think the one I have now is going to work but I want to see what the hell is in there right now!!!