I have a new 350 GM Vortec connected to a remanfactured GM 350 TH. I installed the appropriate flexplate (no it not's backwards), seated the torque converter, installed a new Summit mini starter and installed the combo in my 27 RPU. Today, I finished wiring the car with a Painless wiring harness (went in very smoothly-thank you). When I attempted to turn over the engine the starter just whined and would not engage. I crawled under the car and discovered the pinion gear was a full quarter inch (.25") away from the flexplate. This distance is far greater than the tolerances outlined in the Summit instructions. I also determined the pinion gear does not extend out when the starter is cranked. I can make the pinion engage the flexplate with a screw driver and it will turn over the engine, however it then retracts and just spins without any further engagement. I need some guidance....Is the starter faulty, wrong flexplate or other issues. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.