"I cut off the rear crankshaft just past the rear bearing race and replaced the seal with a plug that I turned from a piece of aluminum using the points screw holes to hold it in."

Was this necessary, or can I leave a hole in the firewall for the crank to stick through? I have no machining equipment nor the skill to use them, I'm afraid. Good to hear it was a great runner! Might just give'er a shot, although the previous owner said that the kit came stock overweight