headache much???

So i bought my 97 z71 a little over a month ago. 5 days later the motor spun a rod bearing, YAY ME! so i rebuilt the motor and put a mildly built trans in, shift kit, upgraded clutchdes, aftermarket tourqe converter so on and so forth.

The only problem i had ran into is the flywheel and starter, its grinding like crazy, went threw 2 flywheels and 3 starters, figured most of my problem was because the timing wasnt right and it would hesitate to turn over and it wouldnt completely fire up and it would grind everytime it happend. i guess what im trying to get to here is does anyone else have a 97 with the 350 vortec? if so what kind of starter is in the truck, mine is a gear reducted starter instead of a direct drive and it doesnt call for the gear reduced in my year, but it does in the 96 and 98+ what could make a difference??? should i try the direct drive?