It was mated to a bravo 3. I believe it is an 02/03.
Being an 2003ish engine, this model uses the old style 10 pin cannon plug wiring harness between the engine and helm. The wire harness between the engine and helm has no affect whether it's a Bravo or Alpha stern drive. Where the ECM cares is mostly to do with shifting due to the Alpha shift interrupter switch. The bravo doesn't use a switch but you need to ensure the plug jumper is connected to the MPI wiring harness where the shift interrupter switch plugs into. The jumper will resemble this,
While there are sensors one could add to the Mercuiser style transom assembly for steering position, trim position, digital speedometer & fuel level, the 555 ECM is programmed to ignore them while they all sit at a known default value due to them being disconnected 'in-turn not setting off any of the mercruiser guardian system alarms which could keep the engine from achieving full RPM. Now should the sensors be connected and one falls out of range then you'd be setting off the mercruiser guardian alarm system.
Yes the engine workings is a stand alone system so if you can overcome the mating to a Volvo 280 style drive system from the engine bell housing back to the 280 U-joints, plus the 33c style shift cable direct from the 280 drive to the controller, and the stock Merc throttle cable design, the "engine" should work fine for you...
What direction are you planning for the exhaust, water intake and steering systems?
Does your 280 transom assembly already have the power steering valve assembly similar to this as an example,
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VOLVO-PENTA-...p2047675.l2557
If it don't have the power steering valve assembly and don't plan to use it, guess you could either remove the pump completely, disconnect it and find a new belt for either step you take or you could connect the hose lines together using a connector like the one in the following link and explained on post #10+ and leave the belt as is,
http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engin...tify-this-part
Depending on what control handle you end up using, You may need a cable adapter kit to use the 33C type cable/s available here at iboats,
http://www.iboats.com/Boat-Parts-Acc...d.1?q=CA27319P
Or see the full adapter list here if needed,
http://shopping.rexmar.com/Merchant2...e=cableconnect