whenver i start my car, for like a second there is this grinding noise. it sounds normal when the starter is cranking the engine, but right when it starts it makes this loud grinding noise, and then its normal again. does anyone know whats up?

 

Hard to diagnose without hearing the noise but first impressions:

Your holding the key in the start position too long

or

You don't have the starter's pinion gear lash adjustment correct(if there is one)

or

the pinion is worn/damaged and is slipping/grinding somehow

or

something in(or connected to) the hold coil that forces the starter pinion to engage the flywheel, is holding the pinion(usually your fingers ) in mesch longer than desired.

 

I second jbayles's opinion on that. If I were you I'd pull the starter and test the pinion to make sure it's working properly. It's been a long time since I've had to do that, but I think autozone could test it for you.