Update.
Scored a ATC 200s for the engine, although no reverse, it has a semi-auto 5 speed trans and its air cooled. Looked up the specs for the engine, and it puts out a stout 13.5 hp and 11 ft.lbs. of torque, a far cry over the Howhit. Only drawback is its pull start only, but that just means less electrical to mess with and fail. I'll post pics as soon as I get rolling with the swap.