OMC lower units

[rojoc]

I'm a little confused as to what lower units are interchangable. I run a 1988 5.0 GM cobra. From what I have read on this and other forums I am getting the impression I can replace my lower unit with a variety of different models. Stringers? Pre 1988 units and newer up thru 1994? Does this sound correct? How about the lower unit gears and clutch assembly. For example, will the gears from a 4.3 fit into my lower and so on? Thanks in advance

 

[Lou C]

Re: OMC lower units

The lowers for the 4.3/5.0/5.7 are the same housing with the same gear ratios (at least according to my 1988 OMC manual) but the gear ratios for the upper units are different.<br />The 4 cyl engines use a smaller lower, and the 460 Ford used a much bigger lower. <br />The stringer lowers look similar but I've never looked at one up close. The model years for the original Cobra was 86-93. These had dog clutch shifting in the lower unit. The 94 and up had cone clutch shifting in the upper like a Volvo.<br />What I would do it go over to www.dougrussell.com you can check on part #s that way you can tell what was the same as what when it was originally built.

 

[Laddies]

Re: OMC lower units

There is no interchangeablity from cobra to stringer and even engine size make a differance in gear ratio between cobras