Will a Merc '77 IL6 gearcase fit a '93 Merc V6

[Chris1956]

I have both of the subject gearcases on hand. I have always heard that the L6 gearcases would fit a V6. The driveshaft dia and splines seem to be the same. The driveshaft is a bit shorter than the V6. The L6 gearcase sems to be a bit different than the V6 gearcase, but by 1/8 to 1/4" as measured with a ruler.

Has anyone done this swap?

 

[Dukedog]

it will bolt up by removing tha front stud but its not advisable ta run it ona V6... tha driveshaft is "about" an inch (give or take) to short.. closer ta 3/4 of inch.. won't last...... we use ta run 'em but we had a 16" clamp/trim/brackets with a cut and resplined driveshaft, low water pick up... this would make sure tha driveshaft seated completely in tha crank on "slightly" modified 225's in early 80's... that was in tha days prior to tha 15" factory stuff hitting tha market....

 

[jimmbo]

When Mercury was designing the V6 in the early 1970s, they did use the I6 Gearcase and Midsection, however that was for the Prototypes, using Driveshafts that were unique for the Prototypes
Here are few pics of Old Blue, the 1st V6 Prototype, using an I6 midsection and gearcase, First pic is inverted as the motor was resting on the Flywheel
They were using OMC Carbs on it