Outdrive model compatibility

[erlandde]

I have a 1993 Chris Craft 197 with a Ford 5.0 and OMC Cobra model 983844. The outdrive is shot and not rebuildable so I am looking for a replacement. Do I have to stick with the same model number or will any Omc cobra 5.0 fit? I believe it has a 21:18 gear ratio.

 

[Scott Danforth]

your most likely limited to 1993 and a ford version.

 

[HT32BSX115]

I have a 1993 Chris Craft 197 with a Ford 5.0 and OMC Cobra model 983844. The outdrive is shot and not rebuildable so I am looking for a replacement. Do I have to stick with the same model number or will any Omc cobra 5.0 fit? I believe it has a 21:18 gear ratio.

Howdy,

Welcome aboard,

You need to post your engine/drive model number.

The actual drive part number is not all that helpful

Your engine model numbers could be one of the following.

502APLJVB 1993
502APRJVB 1993
502BPRJVB 1993
50FAPLJVB 1993
50FAPLJVN 1993
50FAPRJVB 1993
50FAPRJVN 1993


502APLAMH 1992
502APLAMK 1992
502APRAMH 1992
502APRAMK 1992
502BPRAMH 1992
502BPRAMK 1992

 

[erlandde]

The engine model number is 502APRJVB. The current Cobra outdrive model is 983844. Additionally, is it possible to replace with a non Omc cobra outdrive such as a merc bravo?

 

[HT32BSX115]

The engine model number is 502APRJVB. The current Cobra outdrive model is 983844. Additionally, is it possible to replace with a non Omc cobra outdrive such as a merc bravo?

You have what some would call a "Plain Vanilla" Dog-Clutch Cobra. You can swap the drive to an SEI drive using a conversion kit and an SEI drive
Google "Sterndrive engineering Cobra conversion"

I also think you can buy the kit and drive drive right here on iBoats.

Yes you can also switch to an Alpha or Bravo drive but if you choose to go that way, you MUST change EVERYTHING. I.E. ENGINE + transom mount + drive.

Also, if Ford, the engine will have to have Mercruiser "stuff" on it ..... (manifolds, risers, flywheel housing, shift bracket, alternator mount, starter, to name a few)

If you just go out and scrounge/buy all the "stuff" you'll spend a fortune unless you can find a damaged/rotten hulled boat to buy the otherwise good engine and drive.

The cheapest path would be to simply find a used Cobra drive, they're still around but you're "rolling the dice" if you buy a used one.

The SEI conversion + kit will cost nearly the same or less than buying a rebuilt/REMAN Cobra drive and I think they still offer a 3yr "no-questions-asked" warranty.

Unless you can find a "sweet deal" (damaged) boat with a good Mercruiser engine/drive, your best bet might be the SEI drive.

If it were mine, I would opt for finding a complete Mercruiser engine/transom/drive package. Lots of them out there. FInd one with a GM engine maybe newer than about 1996 or so. Even a V-6 (4.3L) package would work well since it's similarly powered

 

[erlandde]

Wow! I am impressed! You are a wealth of knowledge. I think I will have to take my chances with another Cobra. Now follow-up question, how do I know what models of Cobra are compatible with my engine model?

 

[HT32BSX115]

Wow! I am impressed! You are a wealth of knowledge. I think I will have to take my chances with another Cobra. Now follow-up question, how do I know what models of Cobra are compatible with my engine model?

They only need to be same overall final gear ratio or you will have to use a different prop. The V-8 drives were something like 1.41:1 The V-6 and 4cyl drives were closer to 2.0:1 (less torque means you must turn the engine faster) I have a list somewhere.....

It might be hard to tell what ratio a drive is so if it's off the boat, turn the input shaft and count turns while having someone count prop turns. Divide engine turns by prop turns (with a 3-blade prop, 1 blade =1/3 of a turn [0.333]) 15 engine turns divided by 10 prop revolutions equals a 1.50:1 ratio................ 3 engine turns divided by 2 prop turns also equals 1.50:1 and so on........