ford engine to bravo 2 drive

[en2 cj]

Hi guys! I inherited a 23' john allmand with a<br />1996 bravo 2 drive with the engine missing. I also<br />have a rebuilt ford marine 302 sitting in my garage.<br />Is it possible to use the ford engine with the merc<br />outdrive? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Don S]

Re: ford engine to bravo 2 drive

Sorry, but Mercruiser never made a transom shield/ coupler setup for a Ford going to a Bravo drive. Had you had an Alpha drive it could have been done.

 

[JasonB]

Re: ford engine to bravo 2 drive

Hmmmm, I do know someone who I believe had a bravo coupler custom machined to a stroked 302 due to the torque it put out kept stripping couplers. There is no off-the-shelf solution, but you might could have one made fairly reasonably. The bigger problem may be mounting the engine. The mounts are likely in the complete wrong place, exhaust woul dbe an issue, and not sure if the bellhousing from an old 888 drive would fit the bravo. <br /><br />Best option is drop a Chevy back in there. Much easier and cost effective. I doubt you would be happpy with the power of that 302 on that large of a boat. I would think you would want at least a well built 350.<br /><br />Oh my, did I just recommend someone get a Chevy..... I think I need a doctor

 

[en2 cj]

Re: ford engine to bravo 2 drive

Thanks for the input. I'll probably go ahead and<br />take the easier route and put a chevy back in. The 5.0 mpi has 260 hp and the 350 mag is 300hp, would<br />the 350 be a better choice or will it just burn<br />more gas?

 

[Don S]

Re: ford engine to bravo 2 drive

NO ONE has ever complained of "Too Much" power in a boat. Look at all the posts of people trying to get more HP out of 5.0L, 4.3L, 3.0L. The 5.7MPI would be a perfect engine for a 23' boat.