Seems that this block has the ability to take both ,
Are you referring to the starter motor?
If so, yes..... the block will accept both bolt pattern starter motors.
As said in your other thread, make dang sure that the bolts are knurled (at the dowel areas) and that they are the correct length.
Too long, and they will bottom out before fully clamping the nose housing to the cylinder block, in which case the the bolts will often shear off.
Too short, and they may strip the threads.
I guess I will try to count the ring gear teeth , just in case .
Consider this:
..... If you tried a staggered bolt pattern starter motor, and during starter motor engagement it did not allow the pinion gear to mesh with the ring gear, you most likely have the smaller flywheel with the 153 tooth ring gear.
..... If you tried a straight across bolt pattern starter motor, and if it could not be installed, you most likely have the larger flywheel with the 168 tooth ring gear.
Alternate method:
Mark the harmonic balancer off in one increment of 90 degrees.
Paint mark one ring gear tooth against a reference point.
While a helper rotates the crankshaft 90 degrees, count the number of teeth that pass by the reference point.
.... If you count 42 teeth, you have the 168 tooth ring gear flywheel.
.... If you count 38.25, you have the 153 tooth ring gear flywheel.
Any idea if the 981078 will fit the 77 omc stringer drive unit
I am not certain, but since the starter motor attaches to the cylinder block, I'd think that either starter motor would work with the stringer drive housing.