Conversion: 290DP to a SX-M

[K-2]

I heard there is a conversion kit to replace a Volvo Penta 290 DP with a Volvo Penta SX-M.
Any hear of this?
I know the transom shield must be replaced also.
I know I am going from duo prop to single.
Thanks

 

[alldodge]

Re: Conversion: 290DP to a SX-M

Here is a company which has all the stuff to do it.
Cobra to Volvo Penta SX Outdrive Conversion

 

[K-2]

Re: Conversion: 290DP to a SX-M

No, that is not for getting rid of 290's and converting to SX-M.
That is for making a SX-M a duo prop .

Or getting rid of a Cobra and converting to SX.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Conversion: 290DP to a SX-M

No, that is not for getting rid of 290's and converting to SX-M.
That is for making a SX-M a duo prop .

Or getting rid of a Cobra and converting to SX.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,... I believe you'd need to swap Everything aft of the flywheel cover, to do what ya wanta do,...

 

[captmello]

Re: Conversion: 290DP to a SX-M

MerCruiser Transom Adaptor Kit

This is not a complete kit, but gets the transom hole down to standard size.

 

[K-2]

Re: Conversion: 290DP to a SX-M

Interesting captmello, thank you, I sent them a message to see if I can convert to Bravo 3X.


Bondo, that is exactly what I found out, old 290 small pin like mine with the early design tilt / lock bracket are getting hard to find.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Conversion: 290DP to a SX-M

the VP stuff is on ebay all the time. just have to be patient. or you can get the bracket that captmello posted which should work for both alpha and bravos

 

[captmello]

Re: Conversion: 290DP to a SX-M

the VP stuff is on ebay all the time. just have to be patient. or you can get the bracket that captmello posted which should work for both alpha and bravos

I guess I thought the conversion plate could be used for an SX style outdrive since it has the smaller hole size.but again, I was guessing.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Conversion: 290DP to a SX-M

290 DP drive.
You ask about going to an SX drive.

I'll try to explain to you why this would be a move in a backwards direction.


Going from a Volvo Penta Duo Prop to a single prop drive, will be similar to loosing anywhere from 50 to 70 hp.

The AQ series drive is main suspension fork and pivot tube geometry.
No Gimbal system suspension whatsoever.
No Gimbal ring upper pivot system issues.
No Gimbal Bell.
Larger footprint against the hull's transom.
No Thru Propeller exhaust.
Excellent exhaust back-flow protection via external flappers.
No bearing box issues as with some of the SX or DP-S.
No rubber hub drive coupler in lieu of an all steel Borg Warner drive coupler system.
No annual engine coupler alignment as with the SX DP-S, in lieu of a PDS with fixed geometry.
Easy transmission removal and drive shaft bellows R&R.
Same sliding sleeve/gear cup type engagement.
AQ series drives appear to be better at corrosion resistance.

If an upgrade is wanted....., consider the DP-C, DP-C1 etc.
Great power trim/tilt system, same AQ series suspension system.

With this change, there will be no structural transom modifications required.

 

[K-2]

Re: Conversion: 290DP to a SX-M

Jerry,
Thanks for the reply.
I am a commercial fisherman, my outdrives get worked hard. I want to get rid of my 290 duoprops because they are the old style,
what we call "small pin" with the outboard motor style tilt / lock bracket. Currently I have one DP A and one DP B1 ,
these old style outdrives are getting hard to find, even a rebuild-able core is scarce. I want something newer so rebuild-able cores are easy to find.
Switching to a later 290 DP is an option as you mentioned, but I'm not really gaining any "strength" on that deal and I would have to replace the transom shields. Also anything 290 is about 2X the $$ compared to anything else. For me it is good to have complete rebuilt spare outdrives ready to swap, this is getting hard to do. Volvo actually has 2 brand new small pins 1:78 ratio in the US, no tilt brackets, they want $10K each. Not my favorite option. I am keel cooled and dry exhaust so neither go through the outdrive.
WHen you limp back to town on one engine because you have an outdrive literally hanging by the tilt hoses,,,it's good to have spares.

Thanks Guys!

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Conversion: 290DP to a SX-M

(I am a commercial fisherman, my outdrives get worked hard.)
All the more reason for staying with the AQ series drives.

I want to get rid of my 290 duoprops because they are the old style,
what we call "small pin" with the outboard motor style tilt / lock bracket. Currently I have one DP A and one DP B1 ,
(There is NO small pin/large pin 290.)

The 290 does use the small diameter suspension fork hinge pins, but once past the 290, the C and later drives use the hollow and much larger hinge pins.
They also eliminated the anchorage bracket and the reverse latch unit, and have a much better hydraulic cylinder system.
The hydraulic cylinders now attach directly to the suspension fork. (no swing bracket)

(these old style outdrives are getting hard to find, even a rebuild-able core is scarce. I want something newer so rebuild-able cores are easy to find.)
We will find ourselves rebuilding more often with the V/P Gimbal system drives.


(Switching to a later 290 DP is an option as you mentioned, but I'm not really gaining any "strength"
There is no later 290 drive. 290 is 290, and is in it's own category!
As said, once past the 290, the drive is redesigned. )

(on that deal and I would have to replace the transom shields.
Yes, it would require the C or later transom shields, but with no major structural transom modifications.)

(Also anything 290 is about 2X the $$ compared to anything else.)
We typically pay for quality!

(For me it is good to have complete rebuilt spare outdrives ready to swap, this is getting hard to do. Volvo actually has 2 brand new small pins 1:78 ratio in the US, no tilt brackets, they want $10K each. Not my favorite option. I am keel cooled and dry exhaust so neither go through the outdrive.
WHen you limp back to town on one engine because you have an outdrive literally hanging by the tilt hoses,,,it's good to have spares.)

Be pro-active, and don't allow your components to undergo corrosion issues.

BTW, the gasoline engine AQ series drives ran right along side of the Gimbal system SX and DP-S drives clear into the mid 90's (1996 I believe).... and even into the early 2000s with the Diesel engine drives.
Parts are available, and will be for years to come.


Thanks Guys!

 

[Maclin]

Re: Conversion: 290DP to a SX-M

Good info, good advice in my opinion from JerryJerry :thumb:

 

[K-2]

Re: Conversion: 290DP to a SX-M

Yes! Lots of people have their opinions on what drives is best,,,nice to hear "WHY" one is better than another.

 

[HorizonblueDK]

Re: Conversion: 290DP to a SX-M

I have replaced a 290 drive with an SX on my 18 foot Draco and I'm very pleased with it.

No reverse latch (OK ditched on the later SP & DP drives)

More precise steering at slow speed. (with the 290 drive, the boat went from side to side, when going slow, even with minimum play in the steering system)

No vibration when turning from side to side (Older Volvo drives tend to growl when turning, even with new bearings & U joints)

Easy to remove the outdrive (6 nuts and the gear cable)

I have a 270 drive on my 17 foot Draco and that boat is REALLY going from side to side at slow speed, even though there is a minimum of play in the steering (new bushes/hydraulic steering)

 

[K-2]

Re: Conversion: 290DP to a SX-M

How did you do the swap?
What all is needed? Which SX ?
My old boat had a single 290DP and it swerved all over at slow speed.
My new boat is twins and doesn't do that.
Thank You !

 

[HorizonblueDK]

Re: Conversion: 290DP to a SX-M

Here is my website with the build. I did more than just changine the drive. It's an SX-M.

Draco 1800 ST-SX

It's written in danish, so you probably don't understand much, but there are pictures.

The major component, besides the drive and transom, that was needed, was the adaptorplate. It actually didn't fit the 290 hole, some modifications to the hole in the boat was needed.

 

[alldodge]

Re: Conversion: 290DP to a SX-M

Here is my website with the build. I did more than just changine the drive. It's an SX-M.

Draco 1800 ST-SX

It's written in danish, so you probably don't understand much, but there are pictures.

The major component, besides the drive and transom, that was needed, was the adaptorplate. It actually didn't fit the 290 hole, some modifications to the hole in the boat was needed.

That is a very nice job you did on your Draco. Would have been nice to read what you said but real nice just the same.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Conversion: 290DP to a SX-M

That is a very nice job you did on your Draco. Would have been nice to read what you said but real nice just the same.

Translation Browser Buttons

just drag the english button to your favorites. then when the website comes up, click it and it translates the whole page

 

[K-2]

Re: Conversion: 290DP to a SX-M

Here is my website with the build. I did more than just changine the drive. It's an SX-M.

Draco 1800 ST-SX

It's written in danish, so you probably don't understand much, but there are pictures.

The major component, besides the drive and transom, that was needed, was the adaptorplate. It actually didn't fit the 290 hole, some modifications to the hole in the boat was needed.

Nice job!
Who made the adapter plate? Volvo Penta? Where did you buy it? If it is a Volvo Penta part do you have a part number?
Thanks,
Bob

 

[HorizonblueDK]

Re: Conversion: 290DP to a SX-M

Nice job!
Who made the adapter plate? Volvo Penta? Where did you buy it? If it is a Volvo Penta part do you have a part number?
Thanks,
Bob

Thanks
The adaptor plate is not available from Volvo Penta anymore, but the number is 3851718. I bought it along with the drive (second-hand) from a guy who had given up his project. The plate was almost brand new at that time, never installed. They are found on eBay now and then, but they are quite expensive (700-900 USD)

If I was going to install an SX drive again, I think I would redo the transom. Mainly because these plates are over priced and I like the clean installation of a transom shield without an adaptor.