I bought a 1987 Top Gun with no engines but the racing engine and transmission mounts are there. How do you mount the rear mounts so that the top mount starters are still the correct distance from the flywheels when the mount would add about 1/4"? Do the bell housings have to be shaved down or something else done? Thanks, Bill

Bill,you need to measure the bell housing first to make sure they have not been snhaved..you need to take offf .250 and then move the starter ring from the front side to the back side of the flywheel..you will also need the longer doll pins,,summit lls them,,look up ones for a 4 speed scatter shields

If .25" is taken off the bell housings (if possible) then the starter would be the same distance from the flywheel as if the rear mount were not there. So why would you also move the ring gear on the flywheel?

Merc made two different bell housings. One for rear mounts, one for no rear mount. You can find the right ones used. If going from a bottom mount starter flywheel, to a Top mount starter location, the ring gear must be moved to the opposite side of the flywheel. That's a tough lesson to learn if the engine has been installed already.

Thank you ZP! I thnk it would be to my advantage to find the correct bell housings instead of modifying mine. Bill

Before you cut or buy anything measure what you have. I have had the bell housings that were not cut come out of boats working fine with rear plates.

The other thing that is done is to mount a high torque small starter in the stock location on the block and you don't to worry about shaving or spacing issues.
RG.