[spam0012]

I have a 1984 50HP Evinrude that had thrown a rod bolt through the crank case. Now just recently a friend of mine who has a 1971 50HP evinrude and had torn up the lower end on some rocks. Now my question is can I take his powerhead and use it with my lower unit? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Dhadley]

OK, now youre REALLY taxing the ol memory bank! Lol!Weve done newer p/h to old mid section. The main thing (I believe) is the the older block has a curve or indent in one side of the base for the shift wires from the lower unit. Your 84 should have a straight mounting base area. So -- if we put the 71 on your 84 mid section there will be an open area that exhaust fumes will come up thru. You will have to weld a piece in there to match the mounting area of the adapter plate.OMC used the same base gasket for both because they added a piece of material to the gasket. It made a small "O" looking deal. Also look at the area that the shift linkage (on the 84) bolts to. Compare that to the block of the 71 which will not have any mechanical shift linkage. I THINK you can put your linkage on the older block. Maybe not.Interesting project! Good luck!