2.3L omc swap to 4.3L merc project.

[Speak]

Gonna be an interestin fit down inside that engine box.... Let me know if you need any measurements.

I have measurements from the donor boat rick- It's going to be shoe horned in lol. My biggest concern will be fitting the dog house over it. The motor box has the length and barely the width. There won't be any room to do anything once it's in. Stay tuned

 

[nola mike]

Step 1. Pull engine. Step 2, unscrew oil filter...

 

[Rick Stephens]

Can you make the box removable?

 

[Speak]

It won't be that bad. I have enough space it's just going to be a squeeze. Motor box is all glassed in. Not an option to modify.

 

[Rick Stephens]

It won't be that bad. I have enough space it's just going to be a squeeze. Motor box is all glassed in. Not an option to modify.

Is ALWAYS an option. Nicest part of glass. Just sayin, think outside the box. (sorry, had to say it ;^)

 

[Speak]

Well the reason I say not an option is because I just built that motor box couple years back and the seats all fit nice nice - I plan on the shoe horn method ! Lol

 

[Rick Stephens]

Well the reason I say not an option is because I just built that motor box couple years back and the seats all fit nice nice - I plan on the shoe horn method ! Lol

Ha ha! You have seen where the oil filter is on a 4.3.... you'll need skinny arms :^). At least you have a sense of humor.

 

[Speak]

Ha ha! You have seen where the oil filter is on a 4.3.... you'll need skinny arms :^). At least you have a sense of humor.

I weigh in at 150 pounds and I'm skinny so - meh should be able to squeeze in there -I hope - might have to put an oil filter relocate on if needed

 

[Speak]

Firmed up with neighbor today - we are using his tractor to pull the motor on Thursday and installing the 4.3 on Sunday

 

[Rick Stephens]

Go man go.

 

[honda400ex2003]

the anticipation is growing!

steve

 

[Speak]

Here we go

 

[Speak]

[No message]

 

[Speak]

she is out

 

[Speak]

So here is what we did tonight. Pulled the pig out. Between now and sunday, the bilge needs to be freshened up with a coat of paint. Mercruiser transom assembly will need to go in. Then the fun will begin on Sunday as promised.

 

[Rick Stephens]

You still have to build motor mounts, yes?

Let me know if you need a jig to set height. Easy to make.

 

[Speak]

You still have to build motor mounts, yes?

Let me know if you need a jig to set height. Easy to make.

Hey Rick, when I did the transom and stringers I replaced the engine mounts with new in preparation for the 4.3 With that said the 2.3 uses side mounts any way and this boat was optioned with a 4.3. In the manual the mounting holes are the same or close I'm expecting everything yo fit with little fiddling

 

[Rick Stephens]

Gotcha, let er rip time.

Be nice when you modify your signature to show a 4.3L

 

[Speak]

And so it begins. removing all that is OMC. Unbolting the transom assembly
shot from the inside of the OMC coming out.The gapping hole Dry fitting the mercruiser transom assemblyShot of the dry fit mercruiser from the insideI used a permatex air craft sealer to hold the seal in place and used some painters tape to hold it there. Then when the transom assembly was sitting against the transom i pulled the tape off and as Bondo sais, "threw da nuts to her"

 

[Speak]

more pictures to come