engine/transmission housing

[captain don]

I am restoring a Trojan F 32 that I got in pieces and have a few questions. I have three Chrysler 318's to work with but am missing several adjacent parts. I have two bell housings but both are off standard rotation engines. Will one work on the counter rotation engine as long as I use a counter starter? Also, I have the starboard Velvet Drive Transmission but am missing the port one. I see many are listed for sale in pairs and I am wondering could I change ratios. My one is 1.57 to 1 and thought I might even get better economy with higher gears. I don't care about speed, just slow cruising. Also is the 1.57 the engine revolution or the shaft revolution? Thanks Captain Don

[prowlersfish]

If you find a starter thats spins reverse you would be ok . but many engines mount the starte backwards to get the reverse rotation . rather then use a reverse turn starter .

On the 1.57 gear that would be 1.57 engine turns for every shaft turn.
as far as going with a higher gear ( like 2 to 1 ) you would need larger props but your limited on that due to prop clearance. so I would stay with the 1.57 to 1 . also also a higher gear means a larger shaft .