Ron, I'm not sure where you stand on this issue and don't have time to read all the posts right now (stuck in SW KS where the only internet access is the public library, and dadgum if they don't want to close--go figure!!), but I found this as I was stumbling around an old kit car mag. There's a company called Tuff Stuff Performance out of Cleveland, OH that offers mini gear reduction starters for Ford, Pontiac and Olds engines that allow multi indexing. According to what the blurb says, their starter can be positioned on its base and rotated to whatever position works best. They are available in up to 2.6 hp and were developed for high compression competition engines, and they say their starters will spin anything from a 260 to a 455 CID engine. They mentioned the starters are 1/3 smaller, weigh 40% less, are unaffected by heat and can be ordered in either chrome or black finish.
Tuff Stuff Performance Accessories
1982 W. 74th St.
Cleveland, OH 44102
1-800-331-6562
Here's a link--hope it works.
Tuff Stuff Performance manufactures chrome alternators, chrome water pumps, chrome starters, chrome alternator, chrome water pump, chrome starter, chrome power steering pump, chrome power steering pumps, chrome power brake booster, chrome power brake
Hope this helps.
Doug