motor mount support

[redlinj]

I may have to either rebuild or replace my 3.7 485 mercruiser. I'm leaning toward replacing it with a 4.3. Now I've done a lot of research and realize this would not be just a drop in scenario as the 3.7 is front mount whereas the 4.3 has it's front mounts on the sides.


My 2 stringers that would normally be used as the base for the mounts are slightly too far apart for the 4.3 motor mounts. However, if I were to bolt some heavy duty 2 inch aluminum angle on the inside of each stringer then the 4.3 motor mounts would fit perfectly. In theory this sounds like it's a no brained! I'm not an engineer, an architect, a carpenter, a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn or a king so if anyone can shoot holes in this, please do so!

 

[boatnut74]

Bolting on angle wouldn't be strong enough to hold the engine. The best thing to do would be to fiberglass in new wood to create your new mounts. This would be relatively cheap and easy.

By the way the 4.3 would be an excellent choice IMO

 

[Watermann]

I see your brainstorming on the 4.3 conversion. It's a good idea to keep your threads about the same subject together so guys don't get confused and can better help you out. Maybe a Mod will stop by and combine them for you here.
http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engi...rd-engines-outdrives/9517388-4-3-motor-mounts

Post up some pics of your boat and the stringer set up so we can get an idea what you're seeing.

So you have an idea what that big chunk of iron needs to sit on, here's a couple pics of my motor beds.

 

[jigngrub]

Bolting on angle wouldn't be strong enough to hold the engine. The best thing to do would be to fiberglass in new wood to create your new mounts. This would be relatively cheap and easy.

By the way the 4.3 would be an excellent choice IMO

I agree!