Mercury 1978 80hp Thunderbolt Outboard Stator Bolting & Wire Exit Position?

[MyName]

I purchased a used 1978 Glastron but after two sucessful times on the lake, the third & 4th time left me stranded. Since then, I've replaced or redone All necessary CDI & Carb, Everything & compression check 130#ea on the Mercury OB 80hp model 800 Thunderbolt Ser# 5009751
However, After bolting new Stator & Trigger in the same position as the old came off with wires exiting-facing Forward center over carbs, I've noticed some unclear manual photos & repair videos seem to show the wires exiting Back. Also one marine mechanicsI I showed saw & said" The wires forward position seemed odd although it was previously running that way, so maybe it doesn't matter".
Question: Can anyone please clear this up before I attempt to restart and/or start kicking myself?
Thank you in advance

 

[MyName]

Can someone post a photo, diagram, or other response as to the correct position for the Stator for an older Mercury Outboard ...Where the Stator Small Harness Wires should exit down? Front Center? Side? Back? There's some posting that it should/can be turned one Bolt pattern clockwise Or counter clockwise Or Rear etc for better running and/or to correct the Coils voltage output for minimum of 200V each, and so on.. I have Model 800 80hp 1978 Ser# 5009751