It all started with an idea...

[Carknowledge101]

As for the motor plate flip without cutting, I did that. The motor doesn’t seem to fit on that side as it hits the chassis more on one side then the other. Not sure why.

The reedy motor looks good though. I’ll look into that.

[XLR8]

Okay, I understand.

I recall seeing a video (or maybe it was series of photos) showing the manufacturing process for these tubs. They are die cut and formed in a press, then they go to a machine that drills and countersinks the holes, then they go to anno. It's possible that the tub is a loose fit on the drilling fixture so the holes can be drilled a little off-center. That might explain why your motor will fit the chassis tub one way but not the other. It's a toy, after all, so we should expect a certain amount of imprecision.

Here's another possible option although I can't tell if it can be timed for reverse rotation. Maybe another member here has one of these low cost motors and can provide more info.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Powerhobby-540-17T-Brush-Brushed-Motor-For-1-10-Car-Truck-Buggy-TC4-RC10T4-1/392279518716?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160811114145%26meid%3D0976102389774908a743da62bed17f0c%26pid%3D100667%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D8%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D303657856889%26itm%3D392279518716%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2334524%26brand%3DPowerhobby&_trksid=p2334524.c100667.m2042

It's 17t like the Reedy but it's half the price and it's available now.