horse power ratings for different outdrives ???

[4.3sunbird]

Is there a list of power ratings for different outdrives?<br /><br />also what is consitered to be the ultimate outdrive (any brand)<br /><br />I have the 3.0 outdrive with the small 4 1/4 gear case on the bottom ..Im wondering if there is a rated max hp for it <br /><br />I have not had a problem yet but wondering how its actually rated v/s the 800 series lower unit <br /><br />would it be worth upgrading to a volvo outdrive ..from what I read the pivot housing and outdrive is all that would need to be changed <br /><br /> this lil 4.3 is making good power but Im lible to pull it over the winter and replace it with a 350 and It cant be a stock 350 or I'd just slow the boat down <br /><br />may even sell the boat and buy a better one but would like to know more about drives before hand <br /><br />thanks you guys are a great help <br /><br />RED

 

[Lou C]

Re: horse power ratings for different outdrives ???

I don't know for sure about the Cobra with the smaller lower for the 4 cyl but the regular Cobra which was used with the small block in most years probably didn't have more than 280-270 hp. I don't know what it was built to take in terms of HP but I do remember hearing that the lower units were V-4 outboard for the 4 cyl, V-6 outboard for the small block V-8 and the V-8 outboard lower was used on the big blocks.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: horse power ratings for different outdrives ???

The small lower is good for 150HP.