With all the weight reductions in engine  and mount, could it make sense at
this point to make a back shaft that would bring the rotating drive back to
just behind the beam plate? Weight of alternator and any other bits could
take the place of an un used side cooling system.

I don't think one would have to weigh all that much. A common base plate,
pulleys, couple of little pillow blocks, or a bearing seat on the back or
the beam plate. More work, sure, but everyone has their own add ons. Is a CG
benefit to be gained along with better space utilization?



C. Smith

I am not sure what you are proposing here.
Do you want to move the alternator and water
pump forward?

Can you make a sketch with MS paint or better yet Q Cad?

Paul Lamar