i would go with the defective starter...repeated clicking like that usually points to it. if it was a security feature, you wouldnt be hearing any click, it will cut power to the fuel pump and starter. my car does it sometimes, i have a security light in the car that comes on when the resistor isnt working right or whatever it doesnt do and i can turn the key all i want, pump wont come on and the car wont even go for the starter.

im not sure what your starter is like, but are you replacing the motor, or the throw out motor, or the entire thing. the starter should pop the gear out (what your hear "click") and then the motor should spin it up to start the car. your getting 1/2 of it. i would double check all connections aswell. then look into getting the new one warrantied.