That is a newer starter that looks like a mid 90's Dodge truck or even 3.3 Caravan. I guess it could be a quote, "mini-starter" that Mopar Performance advertises but I think they might even be a current model starter, too. No starter of this old vintage looked (or sounded) like that one. Try comparing it to one of those mentioned above in a bone yard. If that is the case, not sure any of those were designed for a 13:1. Most soccer mom caravans don't have 13:1! Did I miss a post? What did you do about your transmission issues?
You didn't miss a quote regarding the transmission. Here's what I have so far...
The price to do a transmission swap is around $4000, which is the cost of a rebuilt 4 speed transmission 18 spline plus the conversions bits and pieces. I found a shop in Sacramento that will rebuild the 727 for less than $1000. Right now I don't have the resources to throw $4k at my car. So, I'm going back with the slushy for now, and plan on buying the necessary parts for the conversion swap over the next year. Wish it weren't so, but I do want to drive my car every now and again in the meantime.