Keep having to replace the starter in 95 3000gt

Do you know if the starter was properly shimmed when installed?

That I'm not sure. I know the basics when it comes to putting parts on and taking them off. What would be the best way to check that? It's my girlfriend everyday driver so I've just been trying to get her back on the road

Is the engine hard to turn over? Can you isolate the source of the noise? If it in fact the starter making the noise when it engages the flywheel, then you'll have to shim it. Shim kits come with gauge wire (like 20 ga.) or you can use a paper clip to ensure spacing between pinion and flywheel. Most starter come with their own shims. Make sure the starter is properly grounded as well.

The engine seems to crank over fine. There is a grinding/tick noise that at best I can hear coming from the starter. All the wires look good and it has a good ground connection. Are the shim kits starter specific or will any one work?

You can pick up shims anywhere (or washers) at least with shims you can add/remove them without pulling the bolt. The trick is getting the alignment and spacing of the starter right. i'm not that familiar with Mitsubishis, they have a starter plate that aligns the starter as opposed to the bellhousing I believe, and a dust plate that could potentially contact the flywheel?

Thats really odd having to shim a starter? I never had the opportunity yet to change mine yet. Sounds like the grinding sound is from the pinion gear not retracting back all the way in and hitting the fly wheel. Had that happen to my 84 fire bird.

if the o.e. did not come with a shim ,. then the cheesy starter is the corporate,. yes they sell shims but ifs because of the manufacturing of cheese starters,. i don't think any car maker makes a shim for a brand new engine.. my thoughts