Fresh out of the box, the fuel intake nipple on the hsn shaft is pointed towards the head. Is there any way to rotate it about 180° so it points towards the tank?

Yes, loosen the long copper sleeve where the high speed needle enters. turn the nipple to the right direction and tight the sleeve.

on the hn it looks like a bolt loosen it a lil move the nipple and tighten.

awesome, thanks! I didn't realize that was a sleeve, I thought it was all one piece.