Was thinking the same Neil. He only needs the idler for spacing to provide spur clearance, but if he channeled/notched the chassis for the spur he could drop the motor down the same amount as the idler diameter and eliminate it.
I have thought about removing the center gear wheel
but then you have to use bigger pinon and less spun gear Due to space
And no, I do not have a CNC, it is the job I have access to a cnc
and 24 hours is not enough hours :-) to do something for other people I am sorry
If you lay the tranny down on its side and mount the motor flat on the chassis
disappear my idea that everything must be installed in the center to keep the car in balance
engine in the center and 2 power pack one in each side