Swap an OMC outdrive with Mercruiser?

[ColaTM]

In previous posts I determined that my outdrive is bad. At some point some one suggested a manufacture swap for just the outdrive and gimbal.

My question is...Is it as simple as swaping the gimbal and drive?

Mine is a 1988 OMC 3.0L
Find a 1988 Mercruiser 3.0L Alpha 1 gimbal and drive?

Thanks.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Swap an OMC outdrive with Mercruiser?

In previous posts I determined that my outdrive is bad. At some point some one suggested a manufacture swap for just the outdrive and gimbal.

My question is...Is it as simple as swaping the gimbal and drive?

Mine is a 1988 OMC 3.0L
Find a 1988 Mercruiser 3.0L Alpha 1 gimbal and drive?

Thanks.

Howdy,

It will be fairly "simple" Not quite as simple as "swapping" the gimbal and drive but close.

You may need to change your flywheel, and coupler. and certainly your flywheel housing since it makes up your rear engine mounts.

Also, you'll need to check the transom carefully for water intrusion.


You'll also have to change your exhaust/intake manifold, riser and exhaust down-pipe.

If you have power steering, it needs to be changed as well. You might be able to use the Cobra trim pump but the hoses will have to be custom made.

If it was me I would find a complete "Firewall-Forward" engine/drive/everything and buy it. If it's a V-6, V-8 or even an inline 6 all the better.

Stay FAR away from the 3.7L/470 engine.


I removed an 87' OMC 460 King Cobra and replaced it with a 97 Merc 454/Bravo III.

Cheers,


Rick

 

[Bondo]

Re: Swap an OMC outdrive with Mercruiser?

At some point some one suggested a manufacture swap for just the outdrive and gimbal.

Ayuh,.... Probably by someone who's Never done it....

Life is much simpler,+ more pleasent when swapping to do the "Pulley to Prop" manufacturer swap.....

Wiring, Plumbing, Exhaust, Couplers, Motor mounts, etc... All Different...

 

[Don S]

Re: Swap an OMC outdrive with Mercruiser?

The only thing interchangeable between the OMC and Mercruser 3.0 is the the cutout in the transom and the LONG block of the engine.
Everything else is different.

 

[ColaTM]

Re: Swap an OMC outdrive with Mercruiser?

Thanks for all the advice. Not sure what I'll do at this point but will update the thread when I do.

 

[maxxman04]

Re: Swap an OMC outdrive with Mercruiser?

as suggested, if you find a complete mercruiser setup, it makes life sooo much easier. i'm in the final stage of the same swap, omc cobra to mercruiser. bought a donor boat for few hundred, swapped everything over. still alot of work, but very doable. having a complete setup will also help when ordering various parts and pieces (gaskets, coupler, bearing, etc) cause you'll know by serial number, exactly what you need, rather than guessing as to what came from where. good luck.