... so that he doesn't have to swap them....
the 2 large hole marks should still line up, can you see any circles on the front of the fly wheel? you can also hold the magneto in place with 2-4 bolts, then bolt on the cover with 2-4 bolts, and see if it will idle... mine, with the wrong magneto wouldn't start. EVER. with the right one, it started right up, then I bolted everything up solid.
If you have the metal air duct clips from the 99+ engine, I'd be willing to buy them. I have a set from a '98 and they are different as well...
My guess is the alignment is the same as the newer one, like your description. either that.. or swap the flywheels.
I thought I posted that the MAG should be bottom, while the long strip was top? or is it the other way? I should have written that down or taken a pic, I'll look up my post on it, then print it for reference as I have an engine going out to be rebuilt this week.
The 951 difference list, that I know of.
98-99 oil pump bracket is now in the magneto housing (99+)
99+ Dual coil igntion means new magneto/flywheel cup
01+ new exhaust manifold gasket design
(00?) metal clips for air ducts have 2 tabs each vs. 1 for rubber flaps.