Adding power trim

walbert52

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Jun 11, 2012
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:confused::confused::confused:Hi everyone I would like to know if power trim and tilt can be added to a 1972 Chrysler 120 hp model #1207HD serial #2131 that has manual tilt from a donor or parts motor??? What year and size hp motor will fit...Thank you...walbert52 (Wade):confused::confused::confused:
 

Frank Acampora

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Jan 19, 2007
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12,004
Re: Adding power trim

As long as the steering yoke has the upper holes to mount the upper bar, which holds the tilt cylinder and the shock absorber, then yes, stock power trim/tilt can be added. However, if you have the smaller transom clamps without the one inch holes for a steering tube, you might also want to replace them too.

You can use almost any power TNT from Chrysler 3 and 4 cylinder engines and Force 85, 90, 120, 125, and 150 before around 1994. 94 on, used a different Mercury style TNT which will not adapt. If ion doubt, ask if the for sale unit has 5 bolts on a pentagon shaped trim cylinder. This is the one that will fit.

Think long and hard about doing this: The power will cost somewhere around 400 bucks and you are putting it on a 300 dollar engine. Unless the engine runs VERY well, you simply may be better off buying a newer engine with TNT already on it.

While most parts are similar to newer engines, propellers are 18 spline thrust pin drive. They are becoming more difficult to find. An engine newer than 1979 will have the much better one piece lower unit with a larger selection of props and better performance because of the better ignition system and lower unit. The hood latching system is also simpler and better.
 
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walbert52

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Re: Adding power trim

Thank you so much Frank you have been a big help and gave me great advice. Have a great day..Wade
 

walbert52

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Re: Adding power trim

Frank would any 3 or 4 cylinder one piece lower unit fit my 1972 120hp Chrysler from 1980 to 1992 either the Chrysler or Force motors???? Would that be a worth while swap????
 

Frank Acampora

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Re: Adding power trim

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Frank would any 3 or 4 cylinder one piece lower unit fit my 1972 120hp Chrysler from 1980 to 1992 either the Chrysler or Force motors???? Would that be a worth while swap????

Yes, As I said above, any will fit. While from year to year there were differences in types of motor and motor mounting, the complete trim units will always fit between the transom clamps as long as the system is the pentagon shaped trim cylinder. As you can see from the last photo, the transom clamps changed very little.

As far as the swap in being worth it: The trim system is expensive and does take some effort to install. You would also need to wire the unit and fabricate a wiring harness if it did not come with one.

Your engine is real old. However, if the convenience of power TNT is really important to you then maybe yes, it is worth it. Only you can make that decision. I can tell you though that you would not gain back the money invested if you were to sell the engine, either by itself or as a package with the boat and trailer.

Dang-- I just realized you said one piece lower unit! These are NOT swappable with your engine UNLESS you change the internal midleg too. The shrouding, transom clamps, mounting--everything is the same except the midleg and lower unit BUT, to do this swap, you need to remove the block so it is not a simple job. Not un-doable, I have done it myself, but it does take time and tools.
 
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walbert52

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Jun 11, 2012
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Re: Adding power trim

I would like to have the better one piece lower unit than the TNT but if I can can get one so much the better. You said the one piece units are better and more parts or easier to fine. The lower unit on my 1972 Chrysler is a two piece, so what I'm trying to say is can I use a lower unit and mid section from a 1980 to 1992 3 or 4 cylinder Chrysler or Force engine on mine???? Thank you again...Wade
 

Frank Acampora

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Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: Adding power trim

Yes, you can use the lower unit and midleg from the one piece 3 and 4 cylinder engines. You must, however use the one piece lower motor mount. The bolt holes (slots) that hold it to the midleg are spaced closer together and the plate is smaller.
 
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