Thinking out loud about a OMC to Merc setup

[Lakes84]

Not to that point yet...Just thinking about the feasibility of changing out a 1987 4.3 OMC gm v-6 with a cobra outdrive on an awesome 21 ft Sport Craft Fisherman boat. That hull is gold on the big waters of Lake of the Woods, so keeping the boat is a definite (plus it's practically new). I recently posted where I had water in my # 2 cylinder. Don S and Bond-o are both thinking it's the risers, since I have the batwings on this thing. I'm just thinking IF it turns out to be an engine rebuild, or if the dollar amount begins to climb with this motor, would I be better served to move on over to Mercruiser? Like I said, I'm not there yet, just thinking of the feasibility at this point. Thoughts? Thanks guys!

Joe

 

[Levinz11]

Re: Thinking out loud about a OMC to Merc setup

A cheaper option is the 2 pc riser/manifold kits you can buy from GLM. Is the engine toast already?

 

[Lakes84]

Re: Thinking out loud about a OMC to Merc setup

Nope, not yet. The mechanic I brought it to who works on all of the Lake of the woods charters seems to think it's a cracked head. He can't tear it down till next week, so we'll see. My money is on Don S and Bond-o's original thoughts on what's goin on. I have found through another thread this Kit, which comes highly recommended. If the motor is still OK, I might go this direction.

Joe

 

[Lou C]

Re: Thinking out loud about a OMC to Merc setup

Unless your Cobra drive and/or transom mount are in bad shape, you could just repair the engine and keep using the OMC drive. If you could get a deal on a Merc drive and transom mount, you could pull the engine and convert it over all at once.