To answer your question, YES it can. But only if your engine was available in both options. Otherwise everything would have to be custom made, sort a speak. Some OB's were offered in tiller and remote setups. And they have similar parts on each version. But you would still need to locate any part you presently don't have for the conversion. If you are really ingenious, you can convert most any OB engine to either version from the other. But clever ideas will be needed to accomplish that as well as some very unique hand made parts. Whatever you decide to do, just make certain it is well thought out and executed for safety reasons. JMHO