Ok that being said... I think I will remove the outdrive!

When I remove the outdrive are there any required gaskets to put it back? Any maint I need to do while its out? Any tips to its removal?

There is a gasket set (more of an o-ring set) for drive removal. It's under $10. From West Marine or any Merc dealership.

1st thing is to raise the drive and unhook the speedo tube. Turns a few degrees, then lifts up.. Lower drive back down, remove 5 of the 6 nuts, remove the trim cyl rod, remove last nut, pull drive straight back and out.

Grease the u-joint, inspect the bellows for cracks.

Can I lay it on its side or does it need to remain standing up?

Laying it down is fine.

Ok got it.. have someone from the local boat shop that will help me align the motor for a case of beer (I am buying the alignment tool for 50 bucks off e-bay)... Most the parts are here. I am getting close!!

I still need a good answer on this motor balance problem.... The block was built with the harmonic balancer and all balanced... I have the original flywheel that is weighted (matched to the harmonic balancer)... do I need to nuturalize it or leave it as is? Is there a way to test balance on an assembled motor?

Thanks guys!!!

The motor is balanced 2 ways .. either external or internal ..who ever built the motor should be able to tell you. If its internally balanced you will need NEW flywheel and HB ... If the motor is externally balanced you can use the stock parts .....

I have "heard" to make sure you use a "merc" alignment tool ..... not a generic one ... I dont know for sure ...I'm sure someone will chime in ........

A good machine shop can balance your flywheel to neutral.
They can also bolt two flywheels together and match their weight.
So they can make yours the same (in this case neutral) balance as another neutral flywheel. It's been done many times. I just had one done from external to neutral for a 588 Motor. BBB

Oh , the dampener would be same as a 427 if internal balance

Billy .. how much it cost you to balance the flywheel ? Thats the only problem I have heard thats its usually the time it takes a machinist to do the job ..can run as much as a new one ....but thats what I have "heard" ..dont know for sure ...

Still need help on this one... I bought what I thought was the replacement plastic ring for this.... I was wrong. Any idea as to the part #?