I have a 97 GMC 350 vortec that the starter motor kicks back. Its been at the locl shop know for a week Figured I'd research it a little

May not be the answer. However, nine times out of 10 my experience shows there is no spark

Here, is what I think you are asking. The TBI intake from a 91 will fit the same size engine from 88 to 95. The Vortec didn't come out till 96 I believe. So if your 91 is the original engine then it is not a Vortec motor. If you want to swap your 5.7 with another 5.7 (5.7 = 350) Then the 88-95 should work, Just double check your sensors and locations as the plugs may be different and or in different locations. I know my 88 GMC and my 94 chevy (both K1500's) were a little different. Hope this helps.

if it starts with starter fluid then its a fuel problem. check the fuel pressure and volume with a gage. these require at least 56lbs pressure to open the injectors and if the pressure is at 52lbs the they will not open. these use the pressure to open the poppet injectors and have a problem with the spider lines cracking and leaking fuel inside the intake. this is probably why it won`t start on its own.

pull the starter and check the ring gear teeth for burrs and mashed teeth. Ensure that the new starter has the correct number of teeth on the pinion as required by the ring gear or you will have the wrong gear ratio for your vehicle. There are many engines that use the same starter motor but are differentiated by the number of teeth on the pinion. I suspect that will be why there is hard noise and kick back as that is the out of mesh gears trying to work

Check your fuses, replace any blown fuses, make sure the key is on the run position.

Its your starter that is faulty.

On some models of general motors starter shims are required to maintain
the recommended clearance between the starter and flywheel.
If not, then the starter will hang on the flywheel after motor is started and
damage it (The teeth are bottoming out when this occurs). They sell starter shims at
the auto parts store.
Hope this helps.

future reference brake cleaner isn't good to use on mass air. use mass air sensor cleaner or electical cleaner

I AM LOOKING AT TIMING ISSUES OR INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAK.OR EGR VALVE STUCK OPEN.

Fuel pressure regulator and spider injector is what i know it as.