Getting Ready for the Big Purchase need alittle Advice

[Jeff2112]

Like the topic says im getting ready to purchase a new outdrive for my Boat.
I have a 1973 Cobalt with the Mercruiser 888 Outdrive, V8 Ford 180HP 2bbl.

I have been looking at a few sites to purchase from and was wondering if anyone here has had good luck with one certain site. Looks like the going rate for a complete outdrive is around $1200.00. Also it looks like i need a transom seal kit which has the gimble bearing and bellows. Also i saw a anode kit which im not sure if i need that also. I did purchase a clymer service manual which some what highlights removal and install. Since i have a mechanical Background (28 years in the automoive field) im going to try this myself. Some feed back would be much appreciated and any other info you all could think of that would assist me in this endouver would be greatly appreciated. Aslo they seem to want me to select a ratio. The book says i have a 1:5:1 ratio. Also there is a yolk selection anyway i can confirm this on my old outdrive.

Thx Jeff

 

[rndn]

Re: Getting Ready for the Big Purchase need alittle Advice

Our forum sponsor right here at iboats.com would be my first choice to buy anything for my boat.

 

[pinbodean]

Re: Getting Ready for the Big Purchase need alittle Advice

Don't be afraid of the Sterndrive Engineering drive. I know a couple of guys that have bought one. One has around 225 hrs on his with no problems. The other has about 60 on his. I had one on my old boat,too. I sold it to my neighbor, and I guess he's got about 150 hrs on it now. The earlier models had some paint issues, but I believe that's been resolved. Plus, the 3 year no fault warranty is tough to beat.

Bodean

 

[Bondo]

Re: Getting Ready for the Big Purchase need alittle Advice

Ayuh,..... I think iboats sells the SEI drives,......

I've heard nothing but Good reviews about them,.....
I haven't bought 1 Yet,... But I've been lookin' for an Excuse too.......

If your boat has it's original transom assembley,.... Have you thought of Upgradeing it at this time,..??
Your's Should be the old roundish looking 1, known as the Mod. 1, or #1 drive....

The book says i have a 1:5:1 ratio. Also there is a yolk selection anyway i can confirm this on my old outdrive.

The 1.5:1 ratio is usually used with the V8 motors,......
Sometimes the 1.65:1 for Heavy boats, or at Elevations....
And,.....
I believe your drive uses the 9" shaft,.... The shorter 1s are for the old Inline chevies.....