Can I replace Mercruiser 454 Gen IV with a Gen V drop in engine?

[tmh]

I have a cracked block on one of my engines in a twin 454 powered 1988 Sea Ray. The engine is marked "RH, Opposite" so I need an opposite rotation engine (or some way to reverse the rotation in the drives). My question is, if I find a complete drop-in Gen V Mercruiser, can I use that one as a replacement with little extra work? My engines are paired with Borg Warner Velvet direct drives.

I am looking at either a re-conditioned long block (Gen. IV) or a drop-in if I find the right one. Someone at my marina is upgrading his power from a gen V 454 and I know it's running properly, however it's regular rotation (pretty sure). It got me thinking about whether I should at least watch for a gen V engine or whether my only option is a Gen IV. I know that a gen V long block won'y match up with my Gen IV parts, so just wondering about a complete drop-in.

Also, anyone find a good, reliable supplier of these marine engines? My mechanic is familiar with Jasper, but I know their prices are high and also their reputation seems to be not as good recently (based on what I've read online, for whatever that's worth). I live near Buffalo but I know most ship for a reasonable cost.

Thanks for the help!

 

[alldodge]

I have a cracked block on one of my engines in a twin 454 powered 1988 Sea Ray. The engine is marked "RH, Opposite" so I need an opposite rotation engine (or some way to reverse the rotation in the drives). My question is, if I find a complete drop-in Gen V Mercruiser, can I use that one as a replacement with little extra work? My engines are paired with Borg Warner Velvet direct drives.

I am looking at either a re-conditioned long block (Gen. IV) or a drop-in if I find the right one. Someone at my marina is upgrading his power from a gen V 454 and I know it's running properly, however it's regular rotation (pretty sure). It got me thinking about whether I should at least watch for a gen V engine or whether my only option is a Gen IV. I know that a gen V long block won'y match up with my Gen IV parts, so just wondering about a complete drop-in.

Also, anyone find a good, reliable supplier of these marine engines? My mechanic is familiar with Jasper, but I know their prices are high and also their reputation seems to be not as good recently (based on what I've read online, for whatever that's worth). I live near Buffalo but I know most ship for a reasonable cost.

Thanks for the help!

The short answer is yes, use any Gen version and there will be no interface issues so long as your using the stuff off your engine. If your using the other engine stuff there could be some electrical connection issues. One thing that will be an issue will be your mechanical fuel pump, maybe. Don't have your serial number so unsure. If your fuel pump is mounted on the side of your block you will need to have it mounted on the belt driven water pump. Could always put in an electric fuel pump

Since you have velvet V-drives you should be able to move your cable to operate the drive in the opposite direction. What model is the drive so we can make sure.

As for a good place to pick up an engine, if your buying a new crate engine, they are all GM made (may be hard to find but there are some new 7.4). If your going for rebuild many say use Merc repower but I'm starting to lean away only because there have been issues with even them. Many will say Jasper is not worth it but others will say OK. Michigan motors have had decent results

 

[tmh]

OK, thanks. I'm not sure I can find the engine serail # (existing, bad engine) as it is smeared on the info plate. Is there somewhere else to find it?

Thx.

 

[alldodge]

OK, thanks. I'm not sure I can find the engine serail # (existing, bad engine) as it is smeared on the info plate. Is there somewhere else to find it?

Thx.

Look for a small plate above the starter