Hey Shawn,
I think the starter motor difference was started by the mechanical clutch mechanism location, needing to be left or right depending on RHD or LHD cars.
On an Auto car this wouldn’t be a concern. I take Bobs car is an auto.
I don’t think Tickford would use US engines?
Australian XR8 5.0L went away from the old original 302w Timing chain cover design, better I believe. Smaller, more direct water flow design. Much smaller water pump face.
Ford didn’t bother changing the US casting design of the timing chain cover when they built the reverse rotation engines, technically the flow is disrupted and could be better. there is many different timing chain cover designs, EFI they deleted the mechanical fuel pump hole, and then some with crankshaft sensor attachment.
Mine has the fuel pump delete but not the crankshaft sensor. I run a ICE Hall sensor 8 + 1 to get crankshaft and camshaft location in the distributor hole.
The blocks are different at the back to suit the starter motor?
My engine is a Fox body GT HO EFI 5.0L and frustrating I have had some experience in the difference.
Intake difference I couldn’t answer but probably due to LHD and RHD.
Cheers Phil.