2.3 omc swap for mercruiser???

[Hopingforthebest]

So im new but i've been looking through the posts on here about the 2.3 omc. Doesn't sound very popular or reliable. Am i just reading into peoples preferences??? Also i read someone mentioning to swap the 2.3 for a mercruiser. Can someone please explain what is meant by that. Will the outdrive bolt right up?? Am i looking at making motor mount changes?? What year and engine size can i look at that would be a direct fit if possible? By the way my boat is an 88 bayliner w/ 2.3 omc. I also posted that first time i took it out ran okay for 30 min then started puffing white smoke from exhaust but temp guages seemed okay and around 180 degrees. Again i am very mechanically inclined and do all the work on own cars so im up for a little work.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 2.3 omc swap for mercruiser???

Ayuh,.... That's a Pulleys to Prop swap,.... There's Always fitment issues when doin' that...

Yer choices are the 3.0l, the 4.3l, or a V8 Chevy....

 

[Hopingforthebest]

Re: 2.3 omc swap for mercruiser???

okay so if im understanding this right i can rip the motor and outdrive out and a 3.0, 4.3 or v8 with their outdrive should fit within the hull with minor fabrication. I was a little confused as to if i could just swap the motor for another and bolt up to my outdrive. I grew up swaping 6 cylinders for v8's in novas so i kinda get the idea of what might be involved. Any good recommendations on years or sizes as far as reliability goes??? Again im getting away from the 2cycles in favor of something that is bone stock reliable and low maintenance. My main goal here is a little speed to do some tubing and maybe wake boarding and hopefully something decent on gas.
Thanks for the reply

 

[Don S]

Re: 2.3 omc swap for mercruiser???

The transom shield has to be replaced too. The only thing you can use is the hole in the transom, it's the same as a Mercruiser.

Even the 3.0L Merc has a lot more power than the 2.3 Ford. I would stick with complete systems from about 85 and newer.
I would stick with the inline engines, you probably don't have enough room for a V6, and a V8 is way too much for that boat.

 

[Hopingforthebest]

Re: 2.3 omc swap for mercruiser???

Thanks for the input. I wan't sure what kinda power the 3.0 put out in comparison with the v6. Im going to check this motor out and see if i can figure out whats wrong with it. Budget wise, if its too much i'll part it out but if its not bad i'll repair it and use it for the year. I'll be keeping an eye out for a new motor and transom as well to swap out this winter. Any do's and don'ts advice in looking for a new motor???? What should i pay for a 3.0/transom??? ballpark. Sorry guys i don't have a clue. I see one guy posting a motor for 200 and another for 600 and im not sure what small details make that price range difference. Again thank you guys for the input. I really appreciate it. 3.0 it is....
I also have to ask. Do fords hate anyone else out there?? or is it just me?? I tell you, i have story after story when it comes to fords i've owned. I swear its like they hate me or something. Im a chevy guy by the way...

 

[Bondo]

Re: 2.3 omc swap for mercruiser???

I'll be keeping an eye out for a new motor and transom as well to swap out this winter. Any do's and don'ts advice in looking for a new motor???? What should i pay for a 3.0/transom??? ballpark. Sorry guys i don't have a clue.

Ayuh,.... Search craigslist or whatever for Rotten boats with runnin' motors, 'n drives...

With a Donor Boat, ya get ALL the expensive little pieces...

 

[Hopingforthebest]

Re: 2.3 omc swap for mercruiser???

yeah you aint kiddin bondo. I've been there with motor swaps plenty of times. Brackets and pulleys look like trash in the backyard and aren't gold until you throw them away. Thanks guys. 85 year or new 3.0 looks it is. when shopping for one a friend told me to find one that doesn't clunk when you shift it and also doesn't whine when you turn the steering wheel. Guessing this would mean the parts are worn and almost ready to be replaced.