Since you say that you wedged the tire iron in the area of the torque convertor, I assume that you have an automatic car. This being the case, it would follow that you inserted the tire iron into the drivers side of the convertor vent hole. If you really got lucky, you may have only damaged the starter shaft/bendix. Otherwise, the only other things in that area are the Convertor, and the flexplate. If you damaged the flexplate, this will mean pulling the transmission, and replacing the plate. A little ray of sunshine....If the flexplate has to be replaced, it is the best time to install a new rear main seal. Sorry you didn't have the holding tool, or at least try the rope trick.

Bill