OMC Cobra to Mercruiser Alpha

[ringmaster72]

Hello, I am looking to remove a 1988 4.3 OMCobra engine and drive and replace it with a 350 chevy and Mercruiser Alpha drive. What kind of issues will I run into as far as where the drive mounts to the transom? Will I need to modify the hole in the hull?

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC Cobra to Mercruiser Alpha

Exactly the same hole. Bolt holes even line up.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: OMC Cobra to Mercruiser Alpha

Good choice!​

I did the same thing removing a 460/King Cobra and replaced it with a 454/Bravo.​

It was necessasary to relocate the engine mounts. (I also had to drill 2 extra holes for the transom mount but the Bravo has 2 additional studs up top)​

I also felt compelled to do a little bilge grinding/sanding/fiberglassing/repainting.​

I also removed the complete OMC harness and replaced it with the Mercruiser harness (there was an additional wire in the merc for the alarm buzzer) That was probably not required but I wanted all the wiring to be "new"​

I also needed to do a little sanding/grinding in the hole because the steering arm rubbed a little in places.​

Other than that is was a pretty easy swap.​

Cheers,​

Rick​