1980 Johnson 85 powerhead fit a 1979?

[stationr]

I broke off a piece of the block in the exhaust area on my 1979 Johnson 85 (model# 85TL79R) when one of the rear studs stuck and have been wondering what to do since (I'll attach a photo). The missing "bridge" is in three pieces and I am guessing it would be difficult to find someone who could weld it back in place. There is a 1980 Johnson 85hp on eBay with a trashed lower unit that looks identical to me from the pictures. Any idea if the 1980 powerhead would bolt onto my 1979 lower unit?

Another possibility: just found 1978 block on eBay. Might that fit? Guess I'd end up doing a rebuild for sure on that one, but it's priced right. Would my crankshaft fit? Jeepers, I am over my head, as usual.

[emdsapmgr]

Both the 78 and the 80 will fit.

[ezeke]

I would avoid the 1978 block - it's different in several ways including the crank. Try to get 1979 and up.