I am in the middle of a very valuable lesson here in Michigan. Our season is too short to begin with and I have one motor being rebulit. I've learned how valuable a spare can be. I'm planning to build a spare. what should I do for storage? Shrink wrap? throw a blanket over it? Any advice? I was planning not to install the heads or oil pan on the block to prevent moisture from being trapped.

I also want to have a spare drive, however I have counter rotating drives. Can I have just one drive with additional select parts for lowers (i'm assuming any parts that are different for counter rotating are in the lowers)

What kind of drives? Bravos can be set to go either way.

yes. they are bravos. no spare part needed to change rotation direction?

Nope, on Bravo 1's you just switch the cable around on the controls at the helm. They can be ran either way.

On the engine I would complete it (head & intake)...

Then just "Fog" it down, and back off the rocker arms, change the oil, and shrink wrap it.

When you throw her in, you'll adjust the the rockers, run the oil out of the cylinders and put in new plugs. and you're ready to boat. About 30 minutes worth of time rather than having to finish assemble the engine.