OMC cobra question

[fletcher0780]

The outdrive on my 87 Forrester Phantom is in bad shape. Last year I resealed it because after a run around the lake it was filled with water, and had no problems for the remainder of last season. This year while repainting the boat, I was sanding the leading edge of the lower unit and found where the previous owner repaired a hole with fiberglass (the gear oil started weeping out). I drained the unit, cleaned the repair, added more glass, and crossed my fingers. While on the water today I noticed I am leaking gear oil, no water in the outdrive, and a very slow leak. Now to my question, will the outdrive from my 89 bayliner capri cobra 2.3 work on my 87 cobra 3.0? I plan on just unbolting the unit and swap them over. The 2.3 outdrive looks to be in awesome shape, although it's been sitting for a couple years. Thanks in advance and sorry for the long post.

 

[fletcher0780]

Re: OMC cobra question

anyone have input on this?

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: OMC cobra question

3.0 litre has a 1.86:1 ratio
2.3 litre has a 2.00:1 ratio
Not sure about the spline and driveshaft length but you could just swap them.
As far as the effects of the two different ratios go, the 1.86:1 would turn that little 2.3 into a real dog.

 

[fletcher0780]

Re: OMC cobra question

3.0 litre has a 1.86:1 ratio
2.3 litre has a 2.00:1 ratio
Not sure about the spline and driveshaft length but you could just swap them.
As far as the effects of the two different ratios go, the 1.86:1 would turn that little 2.3 into a real dog.

I found this info online that indicates the gears are the same, is it incorrect?

# Large housing assembly for years 1986 - 1993 (V6 and V8) and 1990 - 1993 (4 cylinder 3.0L)
# Small gear housing assembly for years 1987 - 1990 (2.3L 4-cylinder Ford) and 1986 - 1989 (3.0L 4-cylinder Chevy)
# For rebuilt lower units, see our complete rebuilt lower gear housing page
# Large housing (#28820) includes the new heavy duty gear sets (#22666) capable of operating with up to 300hp
# Large prop shaft diameter (1 - 1/4")
# Reverse thrust washer installed in between the shaft and reverse gear
# Large gear housing ratio: 12:22 - Small gear housing ratio 13:26

I'd actually be putting the 2.3 outdrive on the 3.0 litre.