Mercruiser 262 175HP replacing OMC Cobra?

[hn2704]

Hi,
I'm totally new to boating. I was given a Bayliner Capri 1986 with a OMC Cobra 5.0 inboard/outboard engine. I was told the the block was cracked due to improper winterizing. I want to replace the complete engine with a rebuilt Mercruiser 1987 4.3L 175HP . Will the engine fit the outboard drive without any mod? What's the best way to do it?
I'm also considering having the engine rebuilt if the Mercruiser does not fit on the boat. Does anyone know a good place in Northern Virginia that does it?
Thanks for all the help.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser 262 175HP replacing OMC Cobra?

It is still a GM block....
It will fit but you will need to swap the bolt-ons from the old engine.....
I'm not an OMC guy, but the long block itself will work....
Welcome to iboats, btw.......​

 

[hn2704]

Re: Mercruiser 262 175HP replacing OMC Cobra?

Thanks for the quick reply. Forgive my ignorance but what does "swap the bolt-ons from the old engine" mean? How do I know if my engine is ford or GM?
Thanks

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser 262 175HP replacing OMC Cobra?

You know what?
I misread your post.....:redface:
The bolt on are the carb, starter, alternater & such....
You can tell if you have a Ford from a GM by the location of the distributer....
Ford in front, GM in back.....
If you do have a Ford, pretty sure you will need to replace it with a Ford.....
I'm sure you could make the 4.3 work, but the cost of making it work probably would outweigh just going with a rebuilt Ford block.....
Rapido marine in Florida has prettty cheap rebuilt long blocks....
I have heard good things about them......
If it's a Ford stick with Ford, it will be way cheaper in the long run.....
​

 

[hn2704]

Re: Mercruiser 262 175HP replacing OMC Cobra?

I checked my engine. The distributor is in the back. So it should be a GM. Now there are 2 options i'm considering:
1. Go with a rebuilt Mercruiser 1987 4.3L :$1200
2. Go with a Ford 1990 5.8L (low hours as stated by seller): $800
Both are complete engines. As for installing it on my boat (OMC cobra outdrive), which option is easier for me? I'm pretty handy but have never worked on boat before
Thanks

 

[RCSConstruction]

Re: Mercruiser 262 175HP replacing OMC Cobra?

Both options are going to require alot of new parts.
It would be best to stay on the lookout for a 5.0 or 5.7 chevy (305-350)
Then manifolds,brackets,covers,etcc.. will bolt right up.
My .02

edit--when you say complete, do you mean manifolds,flywheel,carb,etccc?
If so, I would go with the 4.3, only cause i don't like ferds..