Volvo Penta 5.0 Outdrive options?

[Stuntheavy]

Howdy folks,
Brand new here, and brand new to the boating world. And we're diving in head first!

First off, I'm a mechanic by trade, and by passion. Grew up on dirtbikes, spent the early years turning wrenches for an MX team, and now into the automotive industry. One could say I've banged my knuckles a time or two.

Here's what we're working with. 1996 Chris Craft Concept 19' (19'6" actually) With a Volvo Penta 5.0 engine (which I'm going to assume is a ford 302..haven't actually picked up the boat yet) and an outdrive that is MIA.

First off, is this engine going to be fuel injected? I know boats are 'behind' compared to cars, but I would still assume this is a fuelie.

The whole goal of this boat is just to be a reliable toy to tow a couple tubes, and maybe learn to wakeboard behind. Just cruise around, get the whole hang of boating...just have a good enjoyable toy for the occasional weekend. I know its probably not the best thing in the world, but I'm on a college-student budget here. Saying that we're going to be eating ramen noodles and cereal for the rest of the year to offset the price of the boat is no exaggeration. Priorities, right?

Secondly, what are my options for outdrives here? My head is spinning from all the numbers I've come across when trying to google this, and search forums. I'm a car guy first, and a boat enthusiast (in training) second, so I'm really flying blind here. What am I looking at. I was told all the mounts are there, but it just needs the outdrive itself.

So what should I be looking for? Are outdrives interchangeable? Certain models that will work for me?

I appreciate your time reading this everyone, and thanks for helping a newcomer get out on the water! (Hopefully)

 

[dubs283]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.0 Outdrive options?

post the engine model/serial number

as far as ford/chevy, efi or not, depends on the model info

some quick checks - dist in front = ford, dist in back = chevy

large aluminum plenum and air intake on port side = ford efi

not sure if volvo was chevy efi for that vintage or not

if there is a carb, its obvious

as far as drives there are only two options depending on what you have, basic engine models will be either aq or gl

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.0 Outdrive options?

My bet is it has a carb...
ChrisCraft loved using the Ford based engines for that year.
Once you get it home post up some serial numbers and pictures..
I bet it was the SX drive and you will need one with the correct gear ratio.

 

[captmello]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.0 Outdrive options?

My bet is it has a carb...
ChrisCraft loved using the Ford based engines for that year.
Once you get it home post up some serial numbers and pictures..
I bet it was the SX drive and you will need one with the correct gear ratio.

+1,
SX or even a DP would be your options

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.0 Outdrive options?

Saying that we're going to be eating ramen noodles and cereal for the rest of the year to offset the price of the boat is no exaggeration. Priorities, right?

+1,
SX or even a DP would be your options

Those would be good choices.......but Plan on Ramen noodles and cereal for a few more years!!!

And for the price of a DP drive, you could probabably buy a good used complete 350/Alpha powered donor boat!

 

[Stuntheavy]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.0 Outdrive options?

So it is a carb'd ford 302 (5.0). boat in in ok shape.

I was told of some sort of adapter plate to swap to an OMC outdrive? any truth to that?

I just find it really hard to believe that an SX outdrive (that is like 1500$ used... only paid 400$ for the boat), is my only option (havent even looked at the DP's). There is nothing else out tehre that will work with the 5.0?

The volvo-penta gimble is all still there, bellows in good shape, ect. But if its cheaper to swap, then so be it.

 

[captmello]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.0 Outdrive options?

Volvo SX or OMC cobra SX outdrives were the same. Pretty sure no adapters needed. V8 gear ratio is a must.

I don't see it being cheaper to swap drivetrains, when it sounds like you just need to bolt on a used outdrive. Swapping a complete drivetrain, is a bunch of work. Just my opinion.

Make sure the boat is worth the investment. Or part it out and live to fight another day...

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.0 Outdrive options?

They do make an adapter to switch from a regular Cobra drive to a Merc but none for the SX.
Time to start hunting on Ebay or Craigslist. Or find a rotted out or bad engine boat with a V-8 and a SX drive.

 

[Stuntheavy]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.0 Outdrive options?

thanks everyone for taking the time to read this.

The boat is super solid. It was 'dry sunk' so to speak. Interior has a gelcoated floor, so that should clean up nicely. the sundeck padding has one crack on it.

I know the ford 302 pretty well, so the TLC it needs doesn't concern me.

Just a bummer that my absolute only option is to buy a 1500$ used outdrive. Can't believe there is nothing else out there. I would have thought for sure other companies have utilized the Ford engine.

 

[6meter]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.0 Outdrive options?

The expense to change it is all the other stuff that goes with the outdrive. Nothing from Volvo will fit a Mercrusier. And vice versa. Transom plates. trim pumps, hyd cyls, transom cutouts, etc. Best to be patient and wait for what fits now.

 

[Stuntheavy]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.0 Outdrive options?

Fair enough. Thank you all for the help!

Is there a certain model # i'm looking for, or will any SX outdrive with 8 cyl gear ratio work?

I ask, because I found a SX 290 for cheap, but was told it was too large for my gimble housing? Are there specific models of the SX outdrive that use the same gimble housing?

Also, approx what years can I be looking at? Thanks, again everyone.

 

[Stuntheavy]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.0 Outdrive options?

Bubba1235,
are the VP and Cobra SX outdrives interchangeable? I was under the impression they were different?

And idea to the different models being interchangable?

Started doing some poking around, and found some different models out there for under 1000$, so maybe this will still be feasible. My brother is going through some tough times over in one of the 'Stans, and would sure like to have this ol' clunker back together in time to show him a good time on his mid-tour visit home.

I appreciate all the advice fellas. Anything else you can think of is greatly appreciated.

 

[captmello]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.0 Outdrive options?

from '94-'98, Volvo and OMC were the same company. The Volvo SX and Cobra SX of that generation were the same. The older OMC cobras will not interchange with the Volvo SX/cobra SX even though they look very similar. I can't say if the Volvos newer than 98 would still fit or not. Again, don't get the wrong gear ratio.

 

[Stuntheavy]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.0 Outdrive options?

Thanks Capt!

I've seen there are like 3 options of gear ratios available for the 5.0, but also seen in other posts, that people have used any of the 1.8, or higher (numerically lower), ratios and seem to have had good results with them. From what I gather, is any V8 ratio will suffice, and if I'm not happy with performance, I can dial it in with a different prop. Sound plausible?

 

[captmello]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.0 Outdrive options?

Yes, a ratio between 1.5 and 1.66 would be good for your V8, anything higher would be geared toward a V6. Good luck!