Convert 7.5L King Cobra clutch dog drive to cone?

[kcobra17]

Hello everyone,
This is my first post here. I have been doing a lot of research on the OMC 460 King Cobras since I bought my 1989 VIP Vindicator 23' a few weeks ago. Looks like I just missed the cut-off for the smoother shifting cone clutch models that showed up in 1990. Is there any way to convert to the 1990-93 cone style drive? These still have the fresh water pump in the upper housing, correct? Would it be worth it to convert if I were to find one used at a good price?

My drive was just rebuilt a month ago at the previous owner's expense, so I have some time to enjoy the boat for a while. Just looking down the road a bit in case something should happen.

Thanks
Kevin

 

[Don S]

Re: Convert 7.5L King Cobra clutch dog drive to cone?

Not really, you would have to replace the drive, bellhousing, and complete transom shield.

Of course you could change to a Volvo SX style, even better a Volvo Duo Prop.
Same transom shield, but you would still need a new bellhousing, and an engine driven raw water pump. Volvo makes kits, except for the 460's. But with some work it can be done.
If you can PM me with your email address, I can email you a MS Word document on how I did the conversion on a Bayliner, and what it took to do the job.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Convert 7.5L King Cobra clutch dog drive to cone?

I will say that I considered doing the very same thing....... I worried that sometime in the future, when I spun the coupler or discovered a cracked exhaust manifold, I wouldn't be able to find new ones. They seem to be unavailable these days.

 

[Don S]

Re: Convert 7.5L King Cobra clutch dog drive to cone?

That is a VERY STRONG possibility. Because they are few and far between.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Convert 7.5L King Cobra clutch dog drive to cone?

One of the other members here has a 1990 model 460 with the electronic ignition and he found that he couldn't find ANY replacement parts for it.

Evidently he's going to try using an MSD (marine) distributor in his to eliminate the obsolete electronic system.

After I took mine apart and put the Mercruiser and OMC side by side, It appears that you *could* have a machine shop re-drill the Ford flywheel for a Bravo coupler. It also appeared that the Bravo yoke could be used.


Even if this would work....there's still the problem of the non-existent exhaust manifolds....there are custom stainless steel jacketed headers available but the best price I could find was around $2500 for them.



Your best bet would be to run the 460 as long as you can.....(Mine ran 18 mostly trouble free years)..... Take good care of it......... when it breaks,(and if you MUST keep the boat) replace it with a Volvo Penta or Mercruiser engine/transom/drive.



Cheers,




Rick

 

[kcobra17]

Re: Convert 7.5L King Cobra clutch dog drive to cone?

I am so glad to have both of you respond! You guys seem to have posted on every other thread I have read about these swaps and have experience doing them.

The boat itself is absolutely perfect, so I am thinking about keeping it for a while. Has been rack stored in a heated storage facility it's whole life (never even sat in the water) and the doctor that owned it had maintenance done on the motor and hull every season. Got it for $6,500 which seems to be a steal. Probably due to most buyers steering clear of the OMC drive train. I figured that since it had just been rebuilt to the tune of $4,000 (first time in 18 yrs according to the owner), I should not have a problem for a long time. The 460 is in perfect shape as well. I could probably sell the complete setup for a decent amount to help fund the swap.

I am actually a die-hard Ford guy and have a 1992 twin turbo Mustang road racer that I did all the work on myself, so I'd like to stick with Ford power since I know it so well. What if I went to a stroked 5.8L/Volvo setup? Are the manifolds for the 351 block just as hard to find? I could also buy the water pump kit and install without modification going this route.

Rick,
I have owned all Mercruisers in the past and was considering a 7.4L/Bravo swap as well. Do you have any documentation on that swap you can send me?

Thanks again!
Kevin

 

[Don S]

Re: Convert 7.5L King Cobra clutch dog drive to cone?

The one good thing about the swap to the Volvo DP drive, is at a later date you could then swap the 460 for a 7.4 or an 8.1 without having to replace the drive, transom shield, or trim system.
It would be just an engine change at that point.

Yes, the 5.8 exhaust manifolds are still available thru Volvo, for how long I don't know, Volvo stopped using any Fords in 96 I believe.

 

[paulrfrancisco]

Re: Convert 7.5L King Cobra clutch dog drive to cone?

Send pic of this gem...

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Convert 7.5L King Cobra clutch dog drive to cone?

Yes that's right.....And I was planning to do that when the Bayliner deal popped up...​

I removed EVERYTHING. even the wiring/harness etc.​

I kept the gages though since mine were nicer than the ones that came from the "donor" 98 Bayliner.​

The good part was the fact that the Mercruiser transom fit in the same cutout.....even th ebolts matched up! (I had to drill 2 additional holes for the Bravo) I was pretty worried about that. I could not get any of the Mercruiser people I talked to locally to tell me for sure that the swap would work. (I think they thought I was talking about something other than a Cobra)​

If I could have found a Volvo eng/drive I would have used one. I wanted a Bravo I but "beggars can't be choosers!"​

The one good thing about the swap to the Volvo DP drive, is at a later date you could then swap the 460 for a 7.4 or an 8.1 without having to replace the drive, transom shield, or trim system.
It would be just an engine change at that point.

Yes, the 5.8 exhaust manifolds are still available thru Volvo, for how long I don't know, Volvo stopped using any Fords in 96 I believe.

 

[kcobra17]

Re: Convert 7.5L King Cobra clutch dog drive to cone?

Hopefully these pics work.

I am really liking the Volvo conversion as of now. Being able to swap to a 7.4 or an 8.1 later is awesome too.

Thanks
Kevin

 

[bigbsbigblocks]

Re: Convert 7.5L King Cobra clutch dog drive to cone?

Hey there. I have a similar situation. Here is some background. I have a 1990 Advantage PartyCat 26'. Powered by a OMC 454 King Cobra Outdrive. I also have a wrecked Mariah Shabbah with mercruiser 540 600hp and Bravo 1 imco lower. I want to repower the PartyCat with the the Mercruiser set up engine and outdrive.

OK here comes the questions

Is the cut out for the King Cobra the same as the Mercruiser for bravo 1?

Will the inner gimble ring line up with the engine once installed (if the cut out is the same)

Are the steering cables the same?

Any things I should be aware of?

Any constuctive input?

I don't need any one to tell me sell the boat or don't do it King Cobras are great.

I love my boat and I want it to go fast
I hate my outdrive
I hate my 454 600 hours
I hate my ignition system
I am tired of the shifting problems and repair costs

Any info would be greatly helpful
thanks guys

 

[bomar76]

Re: Convert 7.5L King Cobra clutch dog drive to cone?

This thread is a year + old....you need to start a new thread with your questions if you want any response.....