Mercruiser V8 Interchange

[allyolds68]

I tried searching "Mercruiser Interchange" but nothing really applicable came up

I've got a 1985 230HP Mercruiser (Chevy 305 4bbl., 5.0L) motor that I'm thinking about transplanting into a 1995 Sea Ray. I haven't gotten all the details but the base motor for the 95 is a 5.0LX which I believe is the next generation of Mercruiser motors. The drive may be a Generation 2. I'm fairly sure the 85 drive is a Gen 1.


The 1985 is a complete take out from gauges to controls to motor to outdrive so I'm fairly sure I can make it work but I was wondering what I HAVE to change. The 95 appears to be stripped of everything except gauges and gimble housing. It's a major project but the floors are fiberglass and I'll have to check it closely to make sure the stringers and transom are solid.

I specifically wondering about compatibility of the gimble housings, electronics, motor mounts, etc

What are everyone's thoughts?

Thanks

Mike

 

[Bt Doctur]

the transom housing would need to become Alpha

 

[allyolds68]

the transom housing would need to become Alpha

Is the 95 not an Alpha?

edit: Left me re-phrase that:

There is an optional Bravo I & Bravo III available for this model. I would assume the Alpha 1 is not compatible and I would have to swap the gimble housing if this was the case. Is the transom hole for the Bravo the same as the Alpha?

 

[Fun Times]

Basically anything 1985 will not fit on anything 1995 and vice versa. You'd need the 1985 transom assembly is what Bt Doctur is saying.

A bravo utilizes it's own style transom assembly and drive and some engine parts vs either the old 85 alpha or Gen 2 1995 alpha...Being a 1995 boat, the bravo should just match up to the Alpha Gen 2 transom assembly hole. You shouldn't have to drill the two holes in order to fit the top two studs...If you do, it's not that bad to do.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... As far as the Motors,... They'll swap, bobtail for bobtail,..... An issue goin' to a Bravo is the raw water pump,....

Alpha 1, to Alpha 1, Gen.II the motors would plug, 'n play swap,....

The only difference in the base motors is the 2pc. vs: 1 pc. rear main seals, so the flywheels are different,...

 

[achris]

As long as you continue to use the existing (85) drive and gimbal housing, just drop the engine (95) straight in (after the flywheel and coupler change Bondo mentioned)... You should even be able to use the existing gauges and controls....

But if you want to use the A1G2 drive, you need to change the entire transom assembly.

Chris.......