another omc merc swap ?????

[dvie12]

good day to all first time posting so here goes 1989 bayliner Capri had a 2.3 and omc cobra has nothing in it now was wondering what kind of issues there are to put a merc drive and Chevy 4.3 in it have access to a merc alpha equipped boat bluewater has no engine but all else seems to be there the motor is a tbi out of a blazer needs rebuilt but is complete from ecm to drain plug would really like to keep the fuel injection if at all possible i have a lot of experience with cars 20+ years mechanic first boat project have done some reading on your forum but with as little experience i have with boats i am just confusing myself the donor boat is a cuddy and in real rough shape interior and what not don't know if it is even water worthy besides the wife wants the open bow and it is in really good shape i am aware of fuel fume issues from some of the posts i have read and that the tbi system would need a return loop fuel system have also learned there are differences in starter and alt from car to marine not in a hurry to get this boat in the water so i have alot of time


parts i think or know i need

marine exhaust manifolds (looks like exhaust stuff is in the donor boat minus manifolds)

starter alt water pump (marine)

thanks for any input

 

[Don S]

Re: another omc merc swap ?????

The only parts from the OMC you can use is the hole in the transom.
Nothing else OMC is interchangable with Merc.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: another omc merc swap ?????

Howdy,​

It's a fairly easy swap. I did the same swapping a 460 King Cobra for a 97 Merc 454/Bravo.​

You will probably have to change (the location of) your engine mounts. Also check the transom very closely for water intrusion and rot etc.​

keep the fuel injection if at all possible

No. Can't easily do it....not legal and essentially not worth it.​

A (marine)carb will work well. As Don indicated, you need a marine alt, starter, and you should probably replace the water (circulating) pump and core (AKA freeze) plugs with brass ones.​

You'll also need the (Merc) trim pump, y-pipe (unless you want to listen to thru hull ex), bell-housing, and a Merc electrical harness. (you might be able to use the OMC harness but new wiring is usually better)​

Most of the stuff can be easily found on Ebay etc....​

Just do a search for "Mercruiser" in "Parts and Acc"​

Cheers,​

Rick​

 

[Ducatinut]

Re: another omc merc swap ?????

I'm not intimate with the 2.3 Ford install, but if it's anything like the GM 4-cyls, the mounting points for the engine are completely different from a v6.

Also, Bayliner's reputation isn't the greatest - make sure there isn't terminal rot in the stringers and/or transom before you even get started. Grab an awl or long screwdriver and TRY to poke through any fiberglass coverings (from the inside of course). If there's rot, that could explain why there's no drivetrain. OMC stuff sells FAST on feeBay and elsewhere.

My personal experience is that these boats were marginal in construction and inexpensive enough (some would say "cheap enough") when new that many were owned by inexperienced or inconsiderate owners. Which means stuff like: outside, uncovered storage, water left in the bilge, etc.

Good luck,

Chris

 

[dvie12]

Re: another omc merc swap ?????

thanks for the info will give the boat a good inspection is changing motor mount locations difficult or is it a fairly straight forward process