Update: ended up my RPS cyn R G flywheel busted which had less then 15k of driving and not very hard driving I can't say I didn't launch the car but not often. Replaced with the OS Giken twin plate going to get the car on Monday so very excited to get back on the road again. I will post pics later of what the flywheel looks like I'm curious myself to see what happened, that's probably why I don't see anyone selling those things any longer.

 

You tried a different starter with the same result so eliminate the starter. Starts fine when you turn the engine by push start, so eliminate ignition problems. It sounds to me like Ollie is in the right area - ring gear related. When you shut most engines off, they tend to come to rest in just a couple of different crankshaft spots. You may have a problem with some of the teeth on the ring gear. Next time the starter sounds like it won't engage, physically turn the motor about 30 to 45 degrees and retry. (put in gear and just push it a bit or grab a pulley and turn - make sure key is off) If it makes a difference, you have some work to do.....

 

Never mind - didn't see page 2......

 

Thanks for the suggestions though. Here's a pic taken w/ my cell.

http://img155.imageshack.us/i/20110405092150.jpg/

 

Wow - you're lucky that didn't fly apart at a higher rpm. Hats off to Ollie on the diagnosis.