Mercruiser 350 to 454 engine/outdrive swap?

[speedyfreak24]

I have searched forever and find info. on every other type of conversion. I am looking to put a 1989 454 carb Bravo 1 (from a Maxum 2300 sc) into a 1998 Maxum 2300 SC which currently has a seized 305 or 350 with Alpha 2 drive. What issues would I have to address? Particularly, will the stringers and engine compartment size be o.k.? Also, what about steering, wiring harness, shifting, etc. Thanks for all info.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 350 to 454 engine/outdrive swap?

Particularly, will the stringers and engine compartment size be o.k.? Also, what about steering, wiring harness, shifting, etc.

Ayuh,... Go for it...

You said yer swappin' All of it, so the steering, wiring, 'n shifting will all be the Bravo...

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Mercruiser 350 to 454 engine/outdrive swap?

Yup, what Bond-o says. The big block Chevy is not that much bigger than the small block Chevy, externally. So it should fit quite nicely. Shouldn't even have to change the front motor mount-to-stringer location either. My dad swapped an Alpha 1 SBC to a 502 Bravo and it went pretty well. He used EVERYTHING from the Bravo.

 

[speedyfreak24]

Re: Mercruiser 350 to 454 engine/outdrive swap?

Thanks for the response. I was actually hoping to use the newer shifting assembly, wiring harness and steering from the 98 alpha small block set up. Does anyone know if any of these are interchangeable?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 350 to 454 engine/outdrive swap?

Ayuh,... The Bravo is cone clutched, the shift plate is different...
The steering should swap,...
Donno about the wiring harness...

 

[JupiterJoe]

Re: Mercruiser 350 to 454 engine/outdrive swap?

Donno about the wiring harness...

I think they are the same being they are both V8
I do know a V6 will change to a V8 I have done that before.
Sounds like it will be a sweet ride when ya get it done

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Mercruiser 350 to 454 engine/outdrive swap?

As long as you use everything bolted to the 454, it is a "plug and play" operation. Plug in the big round plug and all your gauges and everthing should work.