1978 searay 350/260 engine upgrade

[mark babb]

What needs to be changed in order to upgrade to a newer year/vortex model engine and keep existing alpha/mr drive? I have a 1978 350 mercruise engine that went bad and see specials on vortex engines. I want to upgrade but don't know if it will be too hard on the old outdrive and what coupling modifications are necessary?
Do you have to replace the flywheel and is there a conversion for the hub? Is the single piece rear seal really that much more reliable than a 2 piece?
Is there a flapper type valve at the bottom of the Y pipe? I think I found part of one in the exhast bellow. Is it worth taking the Y pipe off to replace? ANY help on merits of going with a older style engine as oppose to a newer model are apprieciated?

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1978 searay 350/260 engine upgrade

Ayuh,........ The 1pc. seal Is better,.....
But,.. It's more of a Vintage Thing than anything else........

You'll Need a Flywheel of the Same Diameter as you have Now,........
With the Bolt Pattern of the New motor........
If you have to Switch Diameters,.... You'll Also have to Switch to a Matching Starter......

Serria has come out with a Retro-fit Coupler,.......
It's got the New Bolt Pattern,......
With the Other Dimentions of the Old Coupler.......

While the motor's Out,....
I'd pull the Y-pipe,+ Inspect everything to be Sure it's ready for Another Life.......