Re: Sterndrive swap-out: stringer for Merc
I'm happy with my #1R drive. My 302 is making somewhere in the vicinity of 225hp and the drive seems ok. I think the #1R and up are rated for roughly 275 with the proper gearing (1.5 in this case). All the mercs #1's are the same btween the different engines I think. The differences being gear ratio and engine coupler.<br /><br />Bondo is right on that Chevy parts are plentiful, but Ford parts aren't hard to find either. I like my 302 since I am a Ford fan and it is quite unique to have a Mercruiser/Ford powerplant and is easily worked on. The 302 is a solid motor if built right. Heck, most of the bolt-ons on my Ford are Delco. The carb, alternator, fuel system, etc are Delco. The only parts you couldn't get from your local auto parts (basic engine only, no automotive distributors, alternators, starters, etc) are the manifolds, tstat housings, coupler, etc. The drive itself is standard Mercruiser.<br /><br />I also agree with the donor boat. That would almost undoubtedly be the easiest way to do it. Then you wouldn't have to track down any parts, except for what you might need to replace due to age or wear (bellows, gimbal, shift cable, etc).<br /><br />If the current unit is servicable with no major problems, I would run it while collecting what you will need for the conversion. Be careful though, the OMC may accidentally surprise you and last as long as you want to keep the boat. Who knows.