Hey Justin,
Thanks, there was an ignition delay originally added to try and compensate for this problem. I belive it was supposed to help the "kickback" issue with the Hyster. I don't fully understand the reason for it - why do you have to fill the induction system with extra air/fuel to prevent kickback?
The ring gear has 153 teeth and the original starter pinion has 11. The 11 tooth pinion is also larger in diameter. With the ignition delay, the starter will have to crank longer, causing the missmatched gears to stress even longer before the engine fires.
You're right, the starter bolts are vertical, just like every GM Chev small block. Which gives this starter the infamous GM whine when the teeth are not mating properly.
I believe the ring gear was replaced with an automotive type as this same block that is used in Chevettes-which use the 9 tooth drive starters. Thats why it would be nice to know how many teeth on the original Hyster ring gear.
I would also like to know more about why this ignition delay was engineered. Thanks for replying Justin.