I would wait until the engine was in and cut it from the wheel side. It seems every engine has its own place it wants to live. There is no hurry IMO here. Get the engine, exhaust and everything in and then drill a hole. It may end up in a spot that is 3/4" different than your buddies. Getting a socket into a hole that is off onto an object that is just on the other side of the hole could be a challenge. Also, the hole wouldnt have to be 1.75". Its could be more exact.
$0.02
