sprink58

Shop around online for a 383 Long Block built marine. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ml...FeHm7AoduC0Auw

Summit has it for $4395...then swap your externals off the 305 to get brackets,etc. Use a crank driven raw water pump like I did on my 255 Formula with twin 255/Bravo I's.

Get a decent set of exhaust manifolds, a good used Bravo Transom assembly and Bravo I drive and I think you will beat or equal the money Michigan Motorz is asking for their drop in.

No...not a marine mechanic but I did a full Pre Alpha/MR-I/260 SBC swap to twin Bravo I/400 Plus HP 355 Vortec SBC's and would be more than happy to help guide you thru the process.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/f...or-update.html

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Pic Showing crank driven raw water pump set up

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Pic showing Oil Cooler set up


Pic showing the process of drilling the 2: extra holes for Bravo

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Pic showing the 2: Bravo Transom Assemblies in place

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R526BfFVXbE Double Vortec/Bravo I in place running.

What boat are you doing this with?

You can cobble it together using the Alpha set up but upgrading to Bravo is a far superior set up and one that you will be proud of for years to come. With the availability of good high quality used Bravo components there is no real reason not to take advantage of the increased reliability the Bravo propulsion system provides. Obviously you are a performance minded guy otherwise you wouldn't be considering this project.


It just takes a bit of planning and shopping.

79formula

If the long block is all assembled there really is no precision work. It is just bolting stuff on the way it came apart. Nothing the average person cant do with basic hand tools. The only special tools you might need are a cut out template to drill the top 2 holes and a drive alignment tool.

mrv8outboard

That Merc 383 is very well engineered, it is not just a 383. The version of that engine you are looking at is not recommended for an alpha install. You can use it if you use a thru hull water pick up and leave the alpha in tact to cool the drive. That is what Merc recommends. I have installed these in place of big blocks and it uses the same prop and less fuel. Nice piece.

sprink58

See what a little shopping can reveal:

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...ve-1700-a.html

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...used-nice.html

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ml...FeHm7AoduC0Auw

So....for $7400 I found your 383 Engine, Bravo Transom Assembly Complete and a Bravo I drive and I didn't even look hard!!!

Your Alpha Steering Ram, Bell Housing, Electrical Harness, Brackets, etc will all swap over to the new long block. I would recommend however that you do spring for a HD Bravo Coupler...I bought 2: here on the OSO Swap Shop last year from Fenderjack/John Sr. for $300 so you get a lot of peace of mind for $150.

Here is your Raw Water Pump:http://www.ebay.com/itm/WATER-PUMP-J...item3a893bf21f

Add $70 for the SBC mounting Brackets and you're good.

Throw a Quick Fuel 750 CFM Vacuum Secondary square Bore carburetor on that bad boy and go amaze yourself and all your friends.

So for roughly the same money...utilizing the externals you already have on the 305...you take a GIANT leap forward with a Bravo I set up.

However...you could for roughly$11,000 use the Michigan Drop In and put a Bravo I behind it. So now you have more options to consider.

You're welcome

Blueabyss

Hey sprink, thanks for the info. Your price does not include exhaust manifold or the carb but it does look like an option. By the way , what would be a good carb and where to get it.

Chris

sprink58

"Throw a Quick Fuel 750 CFM Vacuum Secondary square Bore carburetor on that bad boy and go amaze yourself and all your friends."

Summit sells them for about $300. You can buy NEW OEM Mercruiser CI Exhaust manifolds for about $450-$500 per set....you can always upgrade later if you wish.