Replacing 5.0GL VP with Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI....couple questions

[mikeneal]

First off, I am buying a complete take out Mercruiser 350 MAG (MPI) from somebody that re-powered a cruiser and plan on freshening it up and swapping with my current 5.0 Volvo Penta (carb). 2st off, am I loco to put a Mercruiser in a VP boat? The price is right and I know the basic engines are identical so I think I am not too loco..hopefully. My current 5.0 is getting up there in hours and the MPI would be sweet. I figured it would be a nice project,, freshen it up and then sometime install it. Not sure what it has for bell housings etc., I pick it up today and will know more then. The guy did say it had a crack on the intake manifold by T-Stat, not sure what is all about. Will post pics and more info later.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Replacing 5.0GL VP with Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI....couple questions

Ayuh,....... Loco might be the Right word......

You're going to be doing some Creative Engineering to make it Fit to the Volvo drive.......
And,......
Make Sure you get ALL the Electronics to run the motor......

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Replacing 5.0GL VP with Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI....couple questions

Getting all the electronics on the motor is easy. But plugging in the big plug from a Volvo to a Mercruiser will be a big challenge. Unless by some miracle the plug is the same, which I HIGHLY doubt.
You have a major project in front of you.
I think you're crazy, yes.

 

[flabum]

Re: Replacing 5.0GL VP with Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI....couple questions

The plug will be the same. The Merc, if it is out of an Alpha drive setup, will have a shift assist switch on it, mounted on the starboard riser. Depending on the year of the motor, you may need to leave the switch hooked up, but don't worry about hooking any cables to it.

You will need to use the flywheel housing and coupler off your old motor to get it to fit the transom sheild. I believe the Volvo's are narrower at the rear mounts than the Mercs.

Other than that, all should fit well.

 

[Don S]

Re: Replacing 5.0GL VP with Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI....couple questions

The flywheel cover for sure will have to be changed, the Merc one is completely different mount setup.
You may also want to replace the couplers. The Merc style coupler may not fit under the flywheel cover.
If you do have problems hooking up the exhaust, you MAY have to use the Volvo exhaust manifolds and risers. They are the same for a 5.0 and a 5.7.
The one thing you do need to do is keep track of the Merc SN on the 350, you will need it for repair information when buying parts.

 

[mikeneal]

Re: Replacing 5.0GL VP with Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI....couple questions

I got it home, it has all electronics (minus an ignition coil), everything else is there. It has no bell housing and it also looks as if it had top mounted starter so I am planning on using the the VP flywheel, bell housing and coupler. I do not have starter so I want to get one hooked up to see what the compression # are. It has a serpentine belt and that is cool, but I do not believe the sea water pump will fit in my boat (stringer) so I think the pulleys/pumps will have to remain VP (crank mounted pump). Since it has a sea water pump it must have had a Bravo (and no interrupt switch).

It was out of a 99 Sea Ray Sundancer w/ twins that the guy repowered with diesels. Guy said it was standard rotation, how do I verify that?. Seems important.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Replacing 5.0GL VP with Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI....couple questions

if the engine had an sterndrive unit bolted up to it then it's standard rotation.

Only MIE's come counter.... even then it's not too many of them.

 

[Don S]

Re: Replacing 5.0GL VP with Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI....couple questions

Put your 5.0L starter on it, it's the same thing. If you have the SN, I can check the specifics of the engine for you, but it is standard rotation. Merc hasn't used reverse rotation for a Loooooooong time.

 

[mikeneal]

Re: Replacing 5.0GL VP with Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI....couple questions

I looked it up, I think it is a 98 MIE (means had a Hurst or velvet drive transmission right.

SN: L005885

You are the pro though so see if that is what you find too.

That is good news it is standard rotation, that would be a bummer. Now if I can find an intake for less then a grand I am happy. No idea why is cracker, right by the t-stat, weird.
I might buy cheap as I can get reman automotive starter to turn it, I promise on my life will never install it, just that way is easier then removing mine outta my boat.

Put your 5.0L starter on it, it's the same thing. If you have the SN, I can check the specifics of the engine for you, but it is standard rotation. Merc hasn't used reverse rotation for a Loooooooong time.

 

[oops!]

Re: Replacing 5.0GL VP with Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI....couple questions

isnt the mie. a mid engine type?

i thought there was big reasons they could not be used with a stern drive...

i cant imagine what...except bellhousing parts


don s and bond-o will know

 

[Don S]

Re: Replacing 5.0GL VP with Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI....couple questions

That engine used BorgWarner 5000A tranny, it is standard rotation, and I see no reason you can't use it with your Volvo drive. Had you been stuck with an Alpha I, you would have problems as the ECM is not setup for a shift interrupt switch, but Volvo's never used those things.
You will also want to find Mercruiser service manual #24 for that engine and fuel system. You don't need the #24 suppliment either, it's only for the 6.2L engine.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Replacing 5.0GL VP with Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI....couple questions

isnt the mie. a mid engine type?

Mercruiser, or MCM, means Mercury Cruiser Marine, Or Mercruiser Marine. All MCM's use a sterndrive unit.

MIE, or Mercury Inboard Engineering.
MIE manufactors Inboard only (no sterndrive), With a transmission, usually through hull propshafts, sometimes with a VDrive.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Replacing 5.0GL VP with Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI....couple questions

Now if I can find an intake for less then a grand I am happy. No idea why is cracker, right by the t-stat, weird.

It's cracked because someone over tightened the bolts to the thermostat housing.

 

[mikeneal]

Re: Replacing 5.0GL VP with Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI....couple questions

Sounds good, thanks for everyone's advice, keep it coming. I will start looking for a manual, will be required almost right away.

That engine used BorgWarner 5000A tranny, it is standard rotation, and I see no reason you can't use it with your Volvo drive. Had you been stuck with an Alpha I, you would have problems as the ECM is not setup for a shift interrupt switch, but Volvo's never used those things.
You will also want to find Mercruiser service manual #24 for that engine and fuel system. You don't need the #24 suppliment either, it's only for the 6.2L engine.