That's the right line of thinking...

Start looking for a Gil bracket to bolt em on. I have no idea what they cost on the used market.

Just bought a second 1989 200 hp carb Merc with a bad powerhead.

Anybody got any ideas where to get it reworked?

The lower unit looks good but it spins the same direction as mine.

Pantera1,
Do you have problems launching the boat? With that much setback it seems like the motors would be underwater before the boat starts to float. Just curious.