Forget the 172 Hemi wheel, the teeth have a different pitch than the 143 and 130 wheels. You can't use a direct drive starter if you wanted.
Rob MC has a good direct drive starter for the '66-'69 Hemis.
If your bell is a for a 143 wheel, you can use an aftermarket 8 bolt wheel.
If your bell is for a 130 wheel, you can use an OEM Hemi wheel.
If your bell is a Lakewood, you can use a 143 or 130 wheel.
I'd go with a Lakewood bell, or an aluminum '70-'71 bell, and an aftermarket 130 wheel.
Correct on all points you gave.
My bell is one size only, 143-172, both have the same diameter (in fact I took the 172 off and pressed the 143 back on) but made for the standard starter. I also have a 130 tooth 10-1/2 wheel but the bell won't fit it and the high dollar clutch is 11"
So my only least expensive options are to make the existing starter work or buy a new wheel .
I allready have, blow proof bell made for a 11" wheel, 11" Hemi Hayes flywheel and a complete 11" clutch set up
