Swift 1.0L clone

Ok, technically it's a metro, but there isn't a geo forum so.

i have a '94 metro hatchback (not xfi) AT.

i recently replaced the head gaskets, and when I got it back together, I can't start it anymore, the starter doesn't do anything while installed.

it works out of the car, doesn't work in it. Most recent test: I took the starter out and left the main hot lead attatched. I touched the housing to the engine block for ground and touched a second hot lead to the ignition tab. It popped and spun, just like it should. I put it back in, (later added additional hot lead to main solenoid terminal and aditional ground strap directly to the housing) touch the hot wire to the ignition coil, no pop, no spin. Nada. This just doesn't make sense to me.

i don't believe it's the battery, because jumping it has no effect. And the engine isn't siezed-up.

can you help me?