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Thread: Thinking of motor swap for the 22 Classic

  1. #1
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    Thinking of motor swap for the 22 Classic

    I'm thinking of swapping out my OMC 460 and Cobra drive. No issues with the current set up other than its OMC. I have access to a complete Merc 350 EFI for around $2500. I would need the Merc drive. Thinking about the SEI conversion.

    What are your thoughts on this switch?
    Would Merc power increase resale?
    How much top end would I loose going to the smaller motor?
    What would the OMC motor and drive be worth?

    Thanks,
    Ryan

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    Don't quote me " do some research" but I believe that a Mercruiser fly wheel housing will bolt to a Ford. The 350 would be a huge loss in torque. The only disadvantage to a ford is there not as much of selection of after market parts as Chevy. But I think they make enough of the right stuff to make a killer performance motor, and from what I seen performance Ford parts don't cost as much as they use too
    machinist ,bore it deeper,ream it bigger, and lap it to a fine finish



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  3. #3
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    You will need to dig up a Merc transom shield, not a big deal used parts abound. The SEI drives are a great way to go, I have wished many time that I had not gone to a Bravo it is a bioch believing the Bravado. I would have been many thousands richer and probably still running the same Alpha I started with, if not I would be running a "3" year Guaranteed SEI way cheaper deal!
    No matter what your beliefs are "GOD BLESS AMERICA"

    Fully retired marine tech near 60 years in the biz.

  4. #4
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    Go with the proven package for performance, reliability and resale value: BBC, Bravo 1.
    Lake St. Clair, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, Lake Oakland

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    Quote Originally Posted by MOP View Post
    it is a bioch believing the Bravado. I would have been many thousands richer
    NO, say it aint so. the guru's where wrong?

    lol!

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    How many HP is the 350? Why not run the 350 with the Cobra? If you have thru-hull the exhaust will not line up. Lastly...if it aint broke, don't fix it.
    Nick
    1994 22' Classic-454 B1 Red & white
    1981 13' Whaler sport(original owner)
    South Tampa Bay, FL "May I mamoo dogface to the banana patch?"

  7. #7
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    another choice would be change the 460 out to a chevy BB and run the KC til it pukes which may be a while.

    as far as resale and value go most 22 classic buyers want performance first and unless it is a strong SB they will want a BB.
    When the sky is grey,look out to sea.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Donzi_Dude View Post
    NO, say it aint so. the guru's where wrong?

    lol!
    machinist ,bore it deeper,ream it bigger, and lap it to a fine finish



    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v...=2&theater

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    Probably not worth the effort.

    You will probably loose 6-8mph going to a 300HP small block Merc Alpha package. I have to say that before I ran my 22C with 502, I was thinking a small block would be enough power but not anymore. Unless you build a 400HP stroker small block, you will be disappointed with the performance. I agree with Carl, BBC and Bravo drive...
    Thank you, Patrick
    1994 18' Classic 350Mag Alpha

    Previously owned Donzis -
    1996 22' Classic, 502Mag Bravo
    1987 20' Minx, 350Mag Alpha
    1975 18' Classic, 350Chevy Volvo 280

  10. #10
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    so just why is it again you want to swap a BB Ford for a sb chevy?

    fords make more HP dont ya' know.

    lol!

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    Thanks everyone! I was frustrated with the lack if OMC parts around me. I needed a starter solenoid and there were none to be found. Plus the 460 likes gas...a lot.

    I will probably hold until something breaks and then go BBC.

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    Quote Originally Posted by gusto378 View Post
    Thanks everyone! I was frustrated with the lack if OMC parts around me. I needed a starter solenoid and there were none to be found. Plus the 460 likes gas...a lot.

    I will probably hold until something breaks and then go BBC.
    Good idea!
    I would say in for a penny in for a pound. in other words if you are going to do it, do it right. I think I would run the 460 until it dies. Even if it is thirsty ...the cost to due a swap will pay for a lot of gas.
    Jay Z.
    '93 White/Teal Classic 22

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    Another easier route is a 351 Ford bolts right up! I run a SB 22 and love it it does 65.5, you will be down to 60 unless you need more. BB's suck a lot more fuel than a SB, I have a 383 with work and a 750 Holley and still get over 4 MPG. I have been on enough runs to see how much the BB's guzzle!
    No matter what your beliefs are "GOD BLESS AMERICA"

    Fully retired marine tech near 60 years in the biz.

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    I look at it as down time. Any time your going to modify "use something different than what was there". there is a lot of down time. Not the right time of the season to play motor swap, unless it's broken . Competitively speaking if you were a Ford guy, you'd keep the 460 and pump it up, to put a Chevy in its place. Don't be fooled that Fords lack Power. Now if Your a Chevy man Your going to pull it and bury it in a six foot hole and whiz on it As you can tell Carl loves his set up and It is awesome, "no doubt ". A pre engineered 525 from Merc. That is pretty pricey .Probably cost more than the boat, trailer, and engine you got now. Add a Bravo drive , You'll need a 2n'd mortgage. I think you need to choose your battles, for when the time is right. I'm a Chevy man ,But more so of a Donzi nut and, If my Donzi "so close" came with a Ford , it would leave with a Ford. "Just Sayin"
    machinist ,bore it deeper,ream it bigger, and lap it to a fine finish



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    Another vote for keeping the current setup, especially since it's the start of boating season. The KC is a solid drive and I certainly wouldn't swap it with a Bravo unless it took a dump. The 385-series Ford big block is stout and will make a ton of power. Not quite as much aftermarket stuff available (especially marine) as for a BBC, but it's out there. No matter what you do it will drink gas. Like someone else said, spending $20k to do a BBC/Bravo conversion pays for a lot of fuel! Approx 5,000 gallons / 100 tanks full at my local non-ethanol 93 octane prices. How many times do you fill the tank per season?

    OMC stuff is scarce, so it might be worthwhile to scour ebay and craigslist and forums to stockpile common parts before you need them. Stuff like starters & fuel pumps & alternators are NEVER available on Friday night before a vacation, but if you're not pulling your hair out looking for them it's amazing how frequently they pop up. Dedicate a shelf in the garage and build up a spare parts inventory. Worst case you won't use it, but I would bet it would help sell the boat someday.

    If you really want to spend less on fuel I will trade you even-up for my 13 Whaler. She sips gas! Six gallons lasts all weekend!
    "Speed's fine, but accuracy is final."
    - Bill Jordan

    1998 Donzi 21LXR
    1971 Boston Whaler 13

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