best outdrive choice?

[amuller]

I'm planning a project boat using a 4 cylinder outdrive in the range of 120 hp. It will be a salvaged unit from late 70s/early 80s (most likely).

I see my choices as being between the MerCruisers with Chevy 2.5 or 3.0 L engines or Volvo-pentas--probably a SOHC.

The Mercs are clearly the most available and I'm more familiar with them. But I like a lot of the features of the OHC Volvos such as heat exchanger cooling and the cone clutch shift setup.. I know how to rework carbs, starters, and alternators so this is not a huge issue for me.

Obviously there are OMC drives around with the Ford "Pinto" OHC engine but I haven't heard a lot of positive statements about these.

Anyone care to advise on the pros and cons?

Thanks.

am

 

[dubs283]

Re: best outdrive choice?

parts will be more readily available and the lowest price for a mercruiser package

knowledge and ease of repair will be more prevalent for a mercruiser package

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: best outdrive choice?

The Volvo drives are the best.BUT!!!! The parts are about 2-3 times the cost of Merc.The Volvo might not come with trim.It will have tilt but trim might not be there.Mercruisers ALL have it.
They are easy to get serviced and parts are still made for some of the oldest.J