Swap an OMC 3.0L for an OMC 5.0L?

[krjohnson76]

I currently have a 1987 Bayliner Capri 2050. It has the 4cyl. 3.0L engine with a Cobra outdrive (which is cracked). Was looking for an outdrive, and a guy wants to sell his whole engine, including outdrive, in running condition. It is a 5.0L engine out of a 1985 Bayliner Capri. My question is, more power would be great, can this be done?

Thanks, any help is appreciated.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Swap an OMC 3.0L for an OMC 5.0L?

Sure it can be done.
The hole in the transom is the same but the motor mounts will be completely different.
It may take some work on the stringers to get the mounts correct and the motor to line up.

Some folks on here have done this swap and should chime in...

 

[krjohnson76]

Re: Swap an OMC 3.0L for an OMC 5.0L?

Thanks! I would appreciate any help, on motor mount locations, etc??? What is needed to mount the new motor?

 

[danond]

Re: Swap an OMC 3.0L for an OMC 5.0L?

With that much effort, you should skip the Cobra idea and move to a Mercruiser setup. There is no point in purchasing yet another obsolete Cobra drive. The hole for Merc is the same as Cobra.

Do that, and you have a drive that's supported by your local boat mechanic!

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Swap an OMC 3.0L for an OMC 5.0L?

makes no sense
1985 was 800 stringer
1986 was first year of the Cobra.

If you are going to cut a giant hole in your Bayliner's transom to put an 800 stringer unit in, let me be the first to try to stop you....


stop

back away from the boat

drop the sawzall or we'll shoot


However, if you are talking Cobra to Cobra....
that's an easy swap
3.0 and 5.0 Chev use the same bellhousing.

5.0 Ford.... different bird... still easy though
There was no OMC with a Ford in 1985, but then we're not really sure what you have there.

only possible issue is where the front engine mounts will land, but most of those Bayliners came with a V8 so should be no biggie.

 

[krjohnson76]

Re: Swap an OMC 3.0L for an OMC 5.0L?

So was GaryH above right? Or wrong? Transom hole should be the same, right? I have to look at the bolts tonight, but it should have both setups, in front, as well as the V8, right?

Yes, it is a Stringer. So if engine mounts are okay, transom hole is okay, then what else do I need to watch out for?

Any advice and help is appreciated.

 

[danond]

Re: Swap an OMC 3.0L for an OMC 5.0L?

There is no way you want to switch to a stringer drive from a Cobra. Many parts are NLA. OMC is out of business. It is not a direct swap. The hole is different. They are a pain to maintain. etc etc.