3.0 mercruiser year compatability

[Maxum21]

hi, tried searching, but i guess i'm not using the right keywords in the search engine..
Anyways, i've been looking for a project boat i can play around with over the fall/ winter.. i came across a 1998 crownline with a 3.0 seized mercruiser. Ive also found an 89 3.0 merc engine cheap. I know these 2 motors are different generations, but would i have any issues mounting in the 1989 motor? is it compatible with the newer year merc outdrive? if so how many hours am i looking at to complete this swap? thank guys!

 

[Alpheus]

Re: 3.0 mercruiser year compatability

The older 3.0 has the 2.5 head and a 2 piece rear main seal. The newer one if its an LX uses the 3.0 head and is a one piece rear main seal. If you wanted to switch the head and intake from the new one to the old you could do that. You would just have to use the flywheel and coupler from the old engine as well.