omc stern drive can i swap to a different drive?

[challenger gt]

Hello all...I own an 1985 edson challenger gt. i am currently doing a resto. I am keeping the 3.8 l chevy 229. But i would like to install a different leg without major reworking of the boat. is there another direct bolt in for me??? cobra???

 

[havasuboatman]

Re: omc stern drive can i swap to a different drive?

If your current drive is a Cobra, you can. but it has to be from a similar sized motor or your gearing will be wrong. But a Cobra wont attach to anything but a Cobra transom assy.

 

[Bondo]

Re: omc stern drive can i swap to a different drive?

But i would like to install a different leg without major reworking of the boat.

Ayuh,... My guess is you've got a Stringer drive....
You can't use Anything But a stringer without refitting the hull...

 

[challenger gt]

Re: omc stern drive can i swap to a different drive?

yes i believe it is the stringerdrive, compared to an exploded view of parts not the cobra. the other question would be will it be an 400 or 800 and how to tell.....and if i do swap them cani use the curre nt transmission with different leg and fill the hole in?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: omc stern drive can i swap to a different drive?

Your best bet there would be find a donar boat with a good engine and drive and change out everything.
Any way you go the transom will need reworked as Bondo stated...

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: omc stern drive can i swap to a different drive?

would be will it be an 400 or 800 and how to tell.....

should be an 800. We can't tell what is really on there, but,
800 series was attached to all V6 and V8
400 series was only used on 4 cylinder units
from OMC

cani use the curre nt transmission

Your boat doesn't have a transmission.
The shifting occurs in the lower unit of the outdrive.

If you want a different drive system, you are ripping everything out and starting fresh.
You can reuse your engine if the drive system you buy is geared for around 170HP and has a Chevy bellhousing.