To change or not to change

[capt3311]

I have a 1976 Gulfstream with a Ford 302 and OMC outdrive (the engine block is cracked) . I was offered another boat motor with the same outdrive, but it's a Chevy 350. I saw a post here from a while ago where someone asked about this very swap. I never saw a final conclusion. Is this possible? is the Intermediate housing on the out end compatible? I know the bell housing side and fly wheel/coupler are different, but I would keep that all intact if it matches up on the other end. I will be looking at both side by side next week. If someone could confirm this prior, it would save me the trip out of town.

 

[Scott Danforth]

everything outside the boot doesnt care whats on the other side other than gear ratios as long as you have the same vintage stringer

If it was me, I would replace the transom and look for a mid 90's or newer long-tail and swap everything over

 

[capt3311]

Not sure I'm able to spend that much time and money (Wife does not want all that going on in the yard). I'll just keep my eye out for a 302 or 351W block.
Thanks for the recommendation though.

 

[Bondo]

with a Ford 302 and OMC outdrive (the engine block is cracked) . I was offered another boat motor with the same outdrive, but it's a Chevy 350.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... If both are complete, you'll have enough parts to make 1 of 'em run,...

In theory anyways,...

 

[bruceb58]

You can't change from a Ford to a Chevy. The hole going through the transom is lower on a Ford. That's why the drive that hooks up to the Ford is way shorter than the one that hooks up to the Chevy.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Bruce, are you sure about the different "X" dimension on the old stringers between Ford and Chevy? this is an electric shift stringer 800.

 

[bruceb58]

Bruce, are you sure about the different "X" dimension on the old stringers between Ford and Chevy? this is an electric shift stringer 800.

Yes, the Ford electric shift stringer drives are shorter than the Chevy. Used to own a 75 Chevy stringer drive.

There were short ones mated to inline 6 Chevys. All the tall ones are on V8 Chevys.

Also, never heard the electric stringers labeled with the 800 designation. Thought that was only for 78 and up stringer drives.
http://www.sterndrive.info/id426.html

 

[Scott Danforth]

yet when I look up parts for the 70-77 they list only one intermediate housing and one lower, with different gears. hence my confustion http://www.sterndrive.info/1977_electric_shift.html http://www.sterndrive.info/omc_help_page.html

 

[capt3311]

Thanks Guys,
I really appreciate the information.
Through my diligent internet searches, I found a complete engine replacement. Same engine, outdrive, etc.
I will be looking at it this weekend. The gentleman assured me it runs (last ran 4 months ago) and has good compression. I have my fingers crossed.

 

[bruceb58]

yet when I look up parts for the 70-77 they list only one intermediate housing and one lower, with different gears. hence my confustion http://www.sterndrive.info/1977_electric_shift.html http://www.sterndrive.info/omc_help_page.html

Look up exhaust housings.

 

[bruceb58]

Here is a low profile attached to a Ford 351

Here is a high profile attached to a v8 Chevy

 

[Scott Danforth]

Cool, learned something on old OMC's

 

[Bondo]

Ditto,.... I didn't know that either,....

 

[bruceb58]

The 400/800 Stringer drives that came out in 78 don't have a low/high profile.

 

[southkogs]

Interesting stuff Bruce. I was about to protest and then saw the exemption on the 250 Chevy.

 

[bruceb58]

I actually didn't know about the 250 until I was finding pictures yesterday.