should i replace this

[fuzzy2308]

should i replace the flywheel, i really don't want too

if i leave it and put a new starter motor on will it damage the pinion gear on the new starter?

[rambunctious]

The ring gear does have a lot of wear and yes, it may damage the new starter but of course it depends how often it is started.
By the look of what you have, it has done quite a lot of turning over.
Why not just get a 2nd hand starter for up to $45 just make sure it has a good pinion gear. It's easy enough to swap the gears on the starter if you have to.
Personally I would be replacing the ring gear but of course that means removing the box.

[ari666]

yeah if you CBF changing the ring gear i dont blame you. saving time now will mean you have to change it later. but it should be fine for a year or so.

so no, you dont HAVE to change it, yes it WILL wear out your starter, but also itll wear the ring gear faster. you wont get it to engage on that spot properley and itll prolly annoy the piss out of you.

edit* having said that: my impala is in worse condition and still works fine. just makes a horrible grinding noise sometimes when you start it.