I am in the midst of a re-power project on my '79 Formula 255 Liberator. I have the pre- 1983 transom assemblies. this requires that I retain the original bell housings and purchase new smaller 12 3/4 " flywheels that match the new style one piece main seal crankshaft bolt pattern. The reason that this swap mandates these gymnastics is because the early style transom plate has a different (narrower) bell-housing bolt spread that matches the old bolt pattern of the early transom plate.

Seems to me it would be simpler to change the transom plate to the larger new style and avoid all of these gymnastics. Is there any reason that I couldn't simply replace the transom plates ?
Do the steering arms attach the same way? Is there something that I am overlooking here or am I over simplifying this? If I can use the new larger style 14" flywheel and bell housing it sure does make things easier down the road for starter and coupler replacements....plus I can use the newer lighter high torque starters.

Any thoughts on this one?

Also, I want to change to newer center riser exhaust manifolds and get away from the log style that I have. I know I have to change the y-pipe to do this. Will the new style y pipe bolt up to the early style gimbal/ transom assembly or are there other issues at play here. This all assumes of course that I use y-pipes and DO NOT cut holes in my transom for through hull exhaust. I would prefer not to in keeping the transom as original as possible.

Thanks in advance

if you need any parts let me know i just took apart a 1987 boat with alpha 1 piece rear main seal still have most of the parts

I have a complete 1992 Gen II set up. I just got through parting out the boat. Would love to make you a package deal. Jay

Good Alpha I new style transom plates are plentiful down here...$50 ea...I just need to know if it will match up to the early style gimbal/transom assembly....sure would save me a bunch of screwing around with special flywheels.

I can't seem to get an answer to this one anywhere. I'm just going to do the flywheel/coupler deal and call it done.