Hi everyone, I am new to this forum so if this is posted somewhere already or if there is a write up on it i would appreciate if you could send me the link. I just picked up a 89 alpha gimbal housing to replace my 77 pre alpha housing. I need to remove the engine but am a little unsure of what the steps would be as this is my first time doing this. I am going to use my original pre alpha bell housing and drive. This should fit fine right? Thanks

OK, just kidding!

You will find as you work your way through this it is fairly straight forward, but I am assuming you are mechanical. If not, then try to get local help where someone can guide you through this. Make sure you carefully take measurements and compare parts. Look up schematics on the net and see if they happen to have data which helps.

The one thing this process gives you the chance to do is to go a little further and physically examine your transom. Have been amazed how many times friends have thought transoms were in good shape, made an upgrade to outdrive and discovered there were transom issues and if there are transom issues it is not uncommon for there to be stringer issues. This is especially true on older vessels.

Thanks for the response. I am mechanical inclined so i would be able to do this. I actually did look up info on this but no detailed pictures or write ups really. I have the service manual but the pictures are horrible! thanks

This is a strait forward swap. The only issue you may encounter is that the pre Alpha Steering Ram and Assembly may not match up with the Alpha Gimbal/Transom Assembly...requiring that you use the Alpha Steering Unit. Other than that...no issues.

they made some changes where exhaust bolts to inside of transom. you might need to find a 4 cyl exhaust pipe from later model. by bell housing do you mean flywheel cover? the spacing between the 2 mount pads where it sits on-bolts to the transom is also wider than on MR's. (aka pre-alpha) so you will need the correct flywheel cover. this and the exhaust don't really wear out so they are available everywhere relatively cheap. check the 89 housing for broken bolts. exhaust and the 6 big mounting bolts are likely suspects.

Good call...I forgot about the pre Alpha vs Alpha Bell Housing Bolt Spread issue...part of the reason I decided to go Bravo.

I'm getting old.

Thanks for the responses! I actually meant the bell housing that the stern drive bolts to with the 6 nuts. So I would need a new flywheel cover or transom bracket? Im sorry this is starting to get confusing after a while with all the terms lol. At least once I pull it out I will be able to see it first hand which should help a lot! Could you send me a picture of what I would need? Thanks again

Also if you could let me know some steps for removing the engine I would appreciative it lol

steps for removing engine; remove outdrive. unhook hoses. unhook wires. remove bolts. pull up.

Maybe we should have said "flywheel cover". The Pre alpha drive will work...the pre Alpha "Fly Wheel Cover" will not...needs to be changed to Alpha.

I am thinking that since you have not done this before that you solicit help from someone that has.