Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,..... I believe you can swap the timing chain covers,.....
The knock sensors just screrw into the block drain holes, Right,..??
Swap the fittings,....
Ayuh,.... Sounds like the carb might need a rebuild,.... is it a 2bbl., or 4bbl.,..??
If the choke ain't workin' properly, havin' to rev it is likely,....
Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,...... A picture is worth a thousand words, 'n yer comin' up short on both ends,....
Yer description isn't ringing any bells for me,....
Ayuh,..... Sounds like the spindle got beat up, 'n somebody put a speedi-sleeve on it to save the spindle,.....
It also sounds like yer over greasin' it,...
Ayuh,..... Chevy starters only come in 2 flavors, straight across bolts or staggered pattern,.....
The flywheel diameter determines which you need,....
Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,..... If it's Complete, from the pulleys to the prop,..??.....
Yes, that's a wise swap,.....
Rip out all of everything OMC, 'n bolt in Everything from the Mercruiser,....