in case i opt for a different engine,
are the top mount starter flywheels the same as block mounted starter flywheels,
is it ring position, or just a totally different animal

thanks

The ring is towards the back on a top mount and towards the front on a bottom mount . If the flywheel is machined on both sides you can simply heat the ring gear with a torch and tap the ring gear to the oposite side

I just had to have my flywheels machined so I could flip the gear into the other side.

What they charge for machining? Thanks

I just went through all of this, switching from a bravo to a tranny boat, as stated above I was able to move the ring but also had to machine out the rear center of the flywheel so the coupler would set flat against the face, lucky for me my 540's are internally balanced and it all worked out.

I had mine moved. Takes a lot of faith not to put a few welds on to make sure they stay.

I tig welded mine. They charged 150 per flywheel.

you guys are awesome,

We always mig them. Dealing with two different steels. The ring gear is hardened. So when welded they cool at different rates. Usually end up with a crack in the center of the weld when tigged unless you pre-heat in an oven or with a torch.

Try using Inconel wire when tig welding difficult to weld and hard alloys wont crack. Welded starter pinion gears to the bendix on my 24v starters no cracks.