Change Inboard Engine Rotation?????

[62 woodie]

Hi All,
Im getting ready to rebuild a small block Chevy "Pacer" engine for my higgins. The boat originally had a RH rotation engine in it. Since Im going to have to re-prop the boat,Im wondering if there is any reason not to build a standard LH rotation engine? (easier availability of parts?)
It has a velvet drive 71c box, wich I understand can be changed be re-clocking the pump.

Im having a little bit of a problem finding a cam for the original RH engine and LH marine cams seem readilly available.

For what its worth, my boat has left hand controls. Altho I hear differing accounts as to driver location/engine rotation importance.

Are there any other potential problems?
Has anyone had any experience with this???
Thanks! Steve

[maa. melee]

Wait, why even touch the engine? Just throw on a parallel axel to the drive output connected by some beafy gears. Of course you need to offset the engine slightly but even this can be avoided. Instant RH to LH rotation.

[brad9798]

Why mess with changing everything ...?

The pacer ... is yours a pacer 220? If so, it's just a 327 block.

Contact classic boat connection in Minnesota, or Hundley's in Texas ... they both should be able to help.

Personally, I wouldn't bother chaning rotation ... you'll still have the same issues if you change rotations ... they properties will just be flip-flopped.

Brad

[Bob Adams]

You can change the input rotation of a Velvent Drive by re-indexing the oil pump, but the direction in forward will always be the direction of engine rotation.