are you sure about that. for the past few years, the volvo parts have been significantly cheaper than anything from Mercruiser for the equivalent part. and they all require special tools.
plus, unless you are changing the drive, you cant use mercruiser anyway in a volvo installation.
I agree with the parts prices. Especially with parts that are exactly the same (like gimbal bearings) in both products. Volvo is almost always cheaper. Unless you’re looking to buy cheap knockoff parts and tools, then MerCruiser is cheaper in most markets.
Not sure about the aluminum block engines. But I do know that with the cast iron blocks, you could swap both directions. Volvo even included shift interrupt programming (something that was never used with a Volvo drive) in their ECM. They both wanted to make sure that they didn’t miss out a repower sale.
They both make make a good product. Both have strengths and weaknesses. The most important part of this decision is where you live and boat. Repowering is like buying a new boat —- the quality of the dealer is more important than what brand you buy.
Having worked many years for dealers that sold and serviced both. I think Volvo is slightly better.
