here it is straight from the rule book: " Crankshaft must be in original orientation and clearance hole in the frame". my thoughts are this, if someone changes the original engine to match the class they build for, then they are allowed to position the engine where it fits, or drill new bolt holes if it wont bolt to the original holes for the original engine. with that being said, it is legal to do so, as long as you have the crankshaft in the same clearance hole for the engine that came in it originally. so, the rules mean that in a prepared class, you cannot run your original vertical shaft engine that came in the mower, in a horizontal position( the "orientation"), and it must be in the original clearance hole in the frame, not in the center of said hole...simply in the original hole. i would argue to tech, that i am using my engine in the vertical position ( orientation), as rules require, and that the new engine plate clearance hole, is within the same perimeter of the original clearance hole. i have seen plenty of builds, that have utilized the moving of the engine in the frame, and have re-drilled the mounting holes, and the crankshaft still utilizes the original clearance hole ( not centered in the hole), hence, they are legal. the rules do not state that i cannot cut out the original frame parts, nor do they say i cannot weld in my own plate. like i stated in my earlier, posts, if the USLMRA comes to the west coast to run a points series season ( fat chance), and they choose to tell me it is not legal, i will simply load up my mower, and go run with the local clubs that do not have such prejudice to a pretty simple matter. i am in no way bashing the USLMRA, but, it simply does not make sense to me to say that what i have done is not legal.
DISCLAIMER: to all people watching my build post....PLEASE do not use my engine plate idea, and think it is legal, as the USLMRA has not ruled on whether it is, or is not legal, and i will not be held responsible for your particular indiscretion in the use of one.