Brandon, I asked this same question about a KTA (similar to MTA, but wide front) a few months ago.
So this answer is not from experience. Use your best judgment:Some one told me that they thought it was possible, although I am wondering if they were considering that the starter actually extends into the bell housing. As far as I can tell from pictures, the K or M transmission cases don't have any provision for the starter.
Also, even if you omitted the starter there may be 2 bolt holes around the starter that won't line up. I expect there would be some way to make the clutch work, don't know whether it would use the M flywheel and clutch or the U flywheel and clutch or some combination of u and M pieces. The last issue I saw on the KTA is that you would have to use the KTA front end and oil pan as the front end bolts to the front of the timing cover and the radius rod actually pins to the oil pan. That may not be a problem as I think the MTA uses strap irons to hold the front end on about like a U uses. They might just bolt to a U crankcase. Other problems might include getting the water from the MTA radiator to the U engine and back.
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