Someone needs to start re-casting 340 blocks

So.. i was just looking up ritter info cause i don't know much bout them (seems they used to have bad issues..) i found this pic and anyone know why the dist drive gear would be all drilled out like this? inertia and weight? although it's a pretty small gear to start with..
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If it's for weight, someone is an idiot. Yep, swiss cheese your drive gear for another .0030 of a horsepower.