When I was a kid converting an old Microbus from 6v to 12v I took a grinder to the transaxle to clearance it for the larger 12v flywheel. I was rather surprised at first at the amount of energy the sparks the grinder was throwing had!
Mag transaxle case for 1960.
I like cast iron engine blocks; no fussy liners, the best cyl bore wear characteristics, easily machineable, cheap, recycleable. Take the weight out by ditching the electronic and "safety" gook.