I got a 89 formula with a 305 and have a nighmare on my hands.When I bought the car the origanal owner had lost the keys and i have sinced replaced(bypassed) the vats system.After that was complete I tried to start it and it bumped the motor at first then the starter started to grind.I have purchased a new starter from my local Pep Boys and when put on it did the same thing.Itook the origanal delco starter up to theboys and it tested good.Got back home and advanced the motor to see a)if it was locked up and b)if there was a bad section of the flywheel and it did the same thing but now the starter will not even turn over like it is getting no power (not even a click) I dont have much hair left to deal with this any ideas is greatly appriciated

 

It sounds like the starter is binding against the flywheel. Put a shim in between the starter and the block and see if that works.

 

OK, you had the starter trying to turn the engine over, but it made noise. You changed the starter it did the same thing and now the starter won't do anything. Well, I would check all wiring connections first. Since you're an expert at pulling the starter, you could bench test it to make sure it works. If it works outside the car, then the problem is somewhere in the car (how's that for a great diagnosis!). You really need a good wiring diagram for the starting system. The Autozone website diagrams are usually a bit too generic. I have the factory manual for 1988, but there may have been changes for 1989. The starting circuit is usually pretty straight forward - even though you have VATS thrown in there. You should at least get the engine to crank. Dtricia is right, noise & grinding could mean a misaligned starter drive gear with the flywheel - shims will get that alignment corrected. Work on getting the starter to crank and post back.
Corky

 

I got it started just wanted to thank all you who helped with the bypassing the vats and the stater!!!

 

i had this problem and ran in circles for two weeks, wanna a possible solution? check the ignition tumbler and mak sure the two wires at the base of the tumbler are connected. The two wires are for the VATS system and you cant just bypass it since if there not connected it wont send a crank signal to the ecm.