OMC Cobra to Mercruiser Conversion

Discussion in 'DIY Marinizing' started by mcattac, Dec 12, 2004.

  1. mcattac
    Joined: Dec 2004
    Posts: 2
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    Location: Buffalo, NY

    mcattac New Member

    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
     
    mcattac, Dec 12, 2004
    #1
  2. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
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    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    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.
     
    gonzo, Feb 5, 2005
    #2
  3. Scott_CVX20
    Joined: Jun 2005
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    Location: Toronto, ON

    Scott_CVX20 New Member

    Didn't Volvo-Penta buy the OMC I/O business?

    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
     
    Scott_CVX20, Jun 1, 2005
    #3
  4. Dodgeman
    Joined: Jul 2005
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    Location: Kansas City, MO

    Dodgeman New Member

    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.
     
    Dodgeman, Jul 18, 2005
    #4

  6. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
    Posts: 16,803
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    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    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.
     
    gonzo, Jul 18, 2005
    #5
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