2.3 omc to 4.3 merc questions

[Watertheif]

Hi all, I have decided to swap out a junk 2.3 OMC for a 4.3 merc setup. This is my first jump into any major boat project. I have owned other boats, ok when it comes to turning wrenches and like to learn new stuff. I am currently looking for a donor boat to do the whole prop-to-pulley swap. I read through some other posts on the same thing, but am looking for some clarification on some misc stuff. From research I'm looking for an 86-93 merc with an Alpha 1 outdrive, will a newer one work if I was to find one at a good price? My plan is to swap out everything: power steering, steering controls, wiring, gauges. Will steering controls on 4.3 hook up to controls on my boat? are they industry standard? Also what should I plan to replace during the swap since it will be pulled? bellows, gaskets, etc? Since I have never done this, how much time should I plan to complete the project? Obviously there could be hold ups, just looking for a ballpark. My current boat is a spectrum 19' aluminum. the hull is in excellent condition and think its worth it if I can get a donor for a good price.

Thanks in advance, I plan to document and share when I do finally put the pieces together as I'm sure it will help others.

 

[Scott Danforth]

I would seriously look for a 96+ 4.3

steering and controls may need shorter cables

 

[alldodge]

Which ever motor you get, also pick up the Merc service manual. Agree getting a new motor so it will have more power for same motor. Since your replcing everything you could go with the Gen 2 and be a lot better off

You would need to replace all the boots, change gear lube

 

[Rick Stephens]

I did it... well, went from a Alpha1 3.0L to a Gen2 4.3L. Took a winter. I found a complete donor boat with a newly rebuilt, and upgraded to Vortec, motor that unbeknownst to me had been allowed to fill up with water. Was not all that big a deal to re-rebuild the motor, although it hurt my sense of justice to toss brand new pistons for over-oversize ones.

Need to do your measuring, over and over again. Start out by using install drawing you can get here. I made a jig that let me set motor mount height based off of transom angle and transom plate height. When you get to that point I can help you figure it out.

The important part is finding a suitable donor. Either Alpha1 or Gen2 is fine, in my opinion. Both are reliable and useable. No reason you cannot do a late Gen2 and Vortec excepting availability and cost. I paid $1500 for my '92 donor boat and in the end, about broke even on the project selling off everything I didn't need, old motor, drive, trailer, etc.

Time to start haunting Craigslist.

Rick

 

[Watertheif]

Thanks all for the info. My goal was to keep it at or under the $1500 mark...so finding something newer will be challenging. Rick...I will for sure hit you up when I get there, looks like I will be learning a lot here! I was holding off on buying a repair manual just in case I did find a newer boat. Well, gotta find a boat now...

 

[Scott06]

Check this thread out https://forums.iboats.com/forum/eng...s/10014758-2-3l-omc-swap-to-4-3l-merc-project