P.S. - I have no idea what an inverter is.
An inverter is also called a Variable Frequency Drive(VFD)
As far as I have been told is ---- an inverter motor is one that will not get too hot if runs at sustained low speeds. The insulation on the windings tends to be better. Also it needs to be made for 3 phase operation.
Having said that I am sure some inverter motors are better quality than others. Baldor tends to be very reputable. I have never heard of an inverter motor not being able to be used for normal 3 phase operation without an inverter --- because it exceeds the necessary specifications. There might be an exception that that out there --- with some type of servo motor or whatever.
About the flood & getting them wet ---- I was told water can damage the insulation on some motors even if they are allowed to dry out before running --- whether that applies to yours --- I am not sure. The bearings might have been ruined from the flood also. An electric motor shop should be able to inspect them for problems before start up.
I have been able to match frame sizes in the past to get by when it comes to replacing. Some motors are OEM & then the manufacturer who built it ---- might not sell direct except through the OEM who actually designed the portion relating to the mounting or whatever special characteristic it might have.
I know some other operators have experience with inverters more so than myself --- so hopefully --- Tom Hoffman --- or someone similar can shed light on this also.
Keep us posted on how you come out --- especially on the flood ramification.
mike walsh king koin of bismarck