Re: Adding a outboard bracket
Hayhauler, the 470, if maintained, is not that bad of an engine. It uses a Ford 460 V8 head and pistons, so if a head/piston issue ever comes up, it is fairly easy to deal with. Parts are still available. If you have the 4 inch exchanger, heat becomes less of an issue, there is a conversion kit to the GM style alternator to replace that funky liquid cooled setup. Overall, for its weight, a 470 puts out good power. I would really think the conversion through, the 470 gets a bad rap when in fact a lot of the people passing that information around are less than optimaly informed.<br /><br />If you do feel you really need to convert, you are looking at replacing the entire transom. A lot of I/O boats have small or minimal transoms because the loads are not being placed on the transom. You would need a full width, thicker transom, you would need to tie the transom to the stringer/floor system with "knees", which are basically braces that help transfer load to the stringer system. Since you would replace the transom with new wood, the outdrive hole in the outer shell is easily filled by layering in new glass. Then it is a matter of fabbing a bracket, which can be done out of steel or aluminum. You will need an outboard of at least 150 horses to equal the 470. It is a daunting project that, in the end would be more expensive than just rebuilding the 470 if it ever failed unless someone happens to just give you the materials and outboard. Good luck either way..
