Going to start the swap tomorrow..

[SSSuper83]

Yep, going to start the swap of the engines tomorrow. 350 to 228 Merc. I already notice a couple things..

1. Inner transom plates are way different, engine mount wise. New engine is an Alpha style, old is type 1 style. Any chance of bolting the Alpha inner to the 898 outer? Any chance of using the cables and controls from the Alpha and making the #1 shift right?

2. New engine has Thunderbolt. Old has points. Anything I need to do to beef up the wiring in the boat? I have all the wiring from the engine plug to dash harness. Then again, this is prob best left to the fact. wiring diagram.

3. Are the engine couplers the same? They appear to be. If I decide to swap all the 898 controls onto the 228 Alpha, will it be just as durable?

Dont mean to be a pest, but this swap is happening this week and any tips for longevity would be great. Unsure about the condition of the Alpha and if the #1 drive can hold up I would rather not swap transom assemblies.

 

[lonemust]

Re: Going to start the swap tomorrow..

Is the bolt patern on the engine bellhousing flange the same. If so then you should be able to use the #1 with the 228

 

[SSSuper83]

Re: Going to start the swap tomorrow..

yep seems its the same..engine couplers look identical where they sit. I think the only difference is in the mounting pattern on the flywheel..then again I think..

 

[SSSuper83]

Re: Going to start the swap tomorrow..

I had some time tonight to look this Alpha drive swap over..and..after thinking long and hard about it, I decided that I am going to leave the original gimbal ring in. Swap over the bellhousing and drive from the Alpha, since the Type 1 looks the same and measures the same as far as thickness goes. I am also going to use the Alpha shifter, all cables, and riser mounted control to keep everything together as a system. The only thing that will remain from the type 1 drive is the rear flywheel cover as the engine couplers look the same and the newly aquired Alpha's is in better shape.

Great thing too I also got the Alpha trim pump and ALL the lines. I most likely will be reusing those also in conjunction with the trim rams.

In theory..this should be a GOOD swap..just wondering if anyone has attempted this before and what. If anything, to look out for.

This site, again, is fantastic.