1977 Mercury questions plus shaft conversion

[1970Thunderbird]

Hello,

I'm looking into purchasing a 1977 Mercury 800, serial number 4835077. I also looked at a '77 Mercury 1150, serial 3912817. I just got the 800 running and am thinking of buying the 1150 for parts.

What is the opinion of the 800? Is it a good motor, or am I gonna regret purchasing it? I've browsed through parts and they seem to be plentiful, but I was hoping someone could share their experience in trying to find Merc parts for a motor this old.

Also, the 800 is a long shaft, which is needed for my boat. In the future, would I be able to transplant the power tilt and trim, plus powerhead from the 1150 to the 800? Or, transplant the long shaft of the 800 to the tilt/trim and powerhead of the 1150?

Thanks a bunch!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1977 Mercury questions plus shaft conversion

It both those motors are 1977, they are almost identical, except for the number of cylinders. The midsections and PTT are the same. The gearbox of the 800 may be slightly lower in gear ratio, which necissitates a change in prop. Even the internals (pistons, rods and rings) are the same.