Cobra Vs. Mercuiser

[Chevysolid]

Is this like Ford Vs. Chevy...

or is there significant relaibailty and parts availability differences???

I am looking at a 1990 Sunbird with a 4.3 liter Cobra... I am a bit more familat with the Merc engines... any concerns with this motor..???

 

[Don S]

Re: Cobra Vs. Mercuiser

or is there significant relaibailty and parts availability differences???

Let's put it like this, OMC (Cobra) went out of buisness over 10 years ago. The actual Cobra outdrives with the dog type clutch haven't been made since 93.
The engines are still Chevy 4.3's rather Merc or OMC. Just different accessories on them.

 

[Chevysolid]

Re: Cobra Vs. Mercuiser

So I am thinking that I should steer away from them or If I get a killer deal then maybe look into it... If they are the same basic motor then I would think that they would be worked on by the same mechanics and such....

I would think $1800-2000 for a 17-19ft bowrider with the 4.3 Cobra would be about right???
Being that old?

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Cobra Vs. Mercuiser

So I am thinking that I should steer away from them or If I get a killer deal then maybe look into it... If they are the same basic motor then I would think that they would be worked on by the same mechanics and such....

I would think $1800-2000 for a 17-19ft bowrider with the 4.3 Cobra would be about right???
Being that old?

If you have a choice,

DO NOT buy any boat with an OMC Cobra in it.

(unless you have a really cheep complete Mercruiser or Volvo engine/drive ready to install)

 

[Bondo]

Re: Cobra Vs. Mercuiser

I would think $1800-2000 for a 17-19ft bowrider with the 4.3 Cobra would be about right???
Being that old?

Ayuh,....

Considering that Sunbirds are Entry level boats of dubious construction,..
And,...
OMC has been Dead for over 10 Years,....

I'd say that's about $2200./ $2400. Too Much....

If they are the same basic motor then I would think that they would be worked on by the same mechanics and such....

Ayuh,...
Problem with That thinking is,...

Even though the basic Long Block is the Same,...
None of the OMC peripherals are available, except for a limited aftermarket supply...
And,...
Merc./ Volvo Mechanics Still aren't likely to want to work on a Dead Horse...

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Cobra Vs. Mercuiser

What Bubba said, is the way to go.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Don S]

Re: Cobra Vs. Mercuiser

While changing to the Volvo drive like Bubba and the Chief suggest is possible, they failed to tell you what all was involved witn changing to an SX type Volvo drive. It is NOT a simple take one off and put the other on.
Even with finding great deales, you will have way more than the $2000 you paid for the boat to get the conversion done.

 

[Mercathode]

Re: Cobra Vs. Mercuiser

If it was a Mercruiser, you would have a fair deal considering the hulll and trailer are in decent shape. With the old OMC you are rolling the dice.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Cobra Vs. Mercuiser

I meant to look for a boat with a Volvo drive and motor. First choice.

That's what i thought Bubba meant.

Or a merc drive and motor, in a 18-19 footer. Second choice.

3.0-4.3 motor, 3.0 and you will get close to 40 and great gas milage.

But not a OMC, any year, or model drive.

No matter how cheap !

 

[Bondo]

Re: Cobra Vs. Mercuiser

Is this like Ford Vs. Chevy...

Ayuh,.... I'd liken it to more like Edsel Vs. Chevy....

Chevy is still here,........... So Far......

Edsel is Long Gone Bankrupt....

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Cobra Vs. Mercuiser

I would liken it even more to Chevy Vs Studebaker.

There wasn't a lot wrong with Studebakers.....they were even kinda cool.

But, go try and find a Studebaker dealer......or even certain parts.


If you like fooling with antiques and scrounging the wrecking yards for used and/or new (old stock) parts and you know a machinist friend who can make the parts you cannot find, then by all means HAVE AT IT!

Otherwise, you're far better off to stick to recent history Merc/Volvo.

After all, you want to go boating instead of tinkering at the lake with a screwdriver,pair of pliers and a Crescent Wrench wishing you had brought your full toolbox......right?



Happy New Year everyone!



Rick

 

[Bondo]

Re: Cobra Vs. Mercuiser

There wasn't a lot wrong with Studebakers.....they were even kinda cool.

Ayuh,.... The Avanti,... Oh What a Car......

Or the early 60s Pickup Trucks,......

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Cobra Vs. Mercuiser

Ayuh,.... The Avanti,... Oh What a Car......

Or the early 60s Pickup Trucks,......

I REALLY liked the 51 Lark!!!

You just needed child proof locks in the back!!!

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Cobra Vs. Mercuiser

Thats what i thought you meant Bubba. And i still agree with you. Hope everybody made it thru the New year.