TRS Drive / 454 Merc compatability

[ErieRon]

Can anyone tell me if there are any other drives that will adapt to a Merc 454 with a TRS drive. I'm asking for an elderly friend, so if you need more info let me know.

Thanks in advance.

Ron

 

[mkast]

Re: TRS Drive / 454 Merc compatability

A TR drive will bolt on. Gear ratio on the drive/s should be checked.
What is the problem with the TRS?

 

[ErieRon]

Re: TRS Drive / 454 Merc compatability

Mkast;

Thanks for the reply. I don't think anything is wrong with it right now. This guy bought a 27' Sportcraft (1978) 14 years ago, spent 3 years rebuilding it, new engine, drive, stringers, transom and just about everything else you can think of. He put so much into it (time & money), 11 years later after being in the water he's worried about when & if the drive goes what his options might be. He's convinced that he will have to pull his motor and have a new shaft put in it to make it compatible with other drives/options. Something about the bolt pattern on the shaft to the transmission? Anyway, I'm just trying to get him headed in the right direction.

 

[Bondo]

Re: TRS Drive / 454 Merc compatability

Ayuh,... Your Bud is Right.... There's No adaptable, muchless plug & play swaps out there....

Swapping in a Bravo, starting at the flywheel Aft....Is the Best option...
Merc. sells an adapter plate to close in the transom, but at over $1100. each,..
Glassing is a much Better way to go...

 

[picklenjim]

Re: TRS Drive / 454 Merc compatability

Konrad makes a exact replacement for a TRS which is heavier duty.The only problem is their 10 grand.In most instances in a old boat that's more than the boats worth.Tell him don't worry about it there's a lot of TRS parts sitting around out there.All you got to do is look for them.There's always parts on ebay including complete drives and transmissions.I have 2 spare drives,trim cylinders and a spare transmission in my garage that may someday end up on ebay.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: TRS Drive / 454 Merc compatability

I believe Konrad still makes a replacement drive for the TR/TRS. But just the outdrive part, it's got nothing to do with the transmission in the boat or anything.

 

[gadget73]

Re: TRS Drive / 454 Merc compatability

Honestly I'd worry about it if and when it breaks. The TRS wasn't a bad drive, and that velvet drive inside is not really a problem. Lots of inboards use that transmission. The few former-TRS boats I've seen with Bravo drives have done it by moving the engine backwards on the stringers and glassing in the transom to fit the Bravo transom assembly. Its no small bit of work, and it messes with the weight balance since you're moving the motors back a foot.

 

[ErieRon]

Re: TRS Drive / 454 Merc compatability

Thanks all, for the great info. I did check out Konrad but didn't see a price. 10K is a little steep. I'll have to have my friend join here and start boning up on all the other options.