OMC Cobra to Mercruiser Conversion

[mcattac]

With OMC out of the picture now, has anyone done this when it was time to rebuild/replace the motor and/or lower unit?

I have a 1988 25' Sportcraft Fisherman with an OMC Cobra 5.8 liter.
I was told the motor is a Ford 351 Cleveland.
Has anyone swapped out this motor with a newer comparible Merc.
Has there ever been a write-up on this.
What about the transom? Especially the lower unit hole.
Thanks.
Mac

[gonzo]

Is this one of the outdrives with the big round rubber gasket? The engine may be rebuildable, if not I can get you either a new or a rebuilt marine Ford.

[Scott_CVX20]

Why don't you see if you can get marine parts from them? Or try eBay or the internet. Assuming the drive is still good, it's be a lot simpler and cheaper than swapping it for a M/C. If you had one of the old OMC, VP or Merc drives (77ish or earlier) I might think about an upgrade.

I/Os & Inboards have either Ford, Chevy, or Chrylser engines (Old VPs). for that stuff, just go to Jegs or Summit, or any parts dealer.

Scott

[Dodgeman]

OMC Cobra
5.8L EFI is a 351 Ford. Like in a pickup.
The Cobra unit is the OMC version of the Mercuser.
I do not know if the lower unit componets will bolt up to the Mercuser stuff.
I think that Volvo Penta parts will work with OMC Cobra as I beleve that Volvo
bought the stern drive division of OMC from Bombardare.

[gonzo]

There was a joint venture between Volvo and OMC for a short while. Those engines are available new or rebuilt. If the drive is good, that is the cheapest and simplest solution.