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Another alternative is to find a few 'scrap' electric stoves. The oven elements are capable of free air operation (don't require a fan even) and some are rated at 4-5Kw. Each oven has two (broil on the top, bake on the bottom, along with stove-top elements of lesser power. Just using the broil...
AFAIK, the position doesn't matter. I never 'indexed' my fan, and have had no problems with it... I was surprised (as you were) that it was not symmetrical too. I believe this was done to allow it to be removed with the shroud in place.
You may want to add another two quarts of oil, since the capacity is eight quarts, not six!
As to startup problems to look for: watch for oil leaks at the oil filter (I recommend shoving a rag below the oil filter for the first statup so you can clean up more easily) and fuel leaks. I'd run...