[jkg2101]

well, the folks at powermaster starters were super nice. they sent me out a new mounting plate with 0.150" milled off the mounting surface, so the starter now lines up perfectly with the flywheel. It is less than 1/8" away at rest, and fully meshes when running, as seen in pics below. i think this is more overlap/meshing than they recommend, but it is what I asked them for.

in theory, this should conclude my engine build. off to install bellhousing, trans, carb, fuel lines, and then start her up.