I'm beginning the process of putting a 496 HO into my 272...does anybody have any words of advice?

I was reading about taking the backrest of the backseat out but I can't seem to get it out! It seem like I need to pull the side panels which would then include the bolsters just to get that out...is there an easier way? Am I missing something? It seems like it needs to slide back towards the motor but then it hits and there is going to be even less room once the 496 is in to be able to put it back in!

Also, looking for help on the exhaust with the quick and quiet/silent choice? If I remember right when I was looking at a 275, I thought I remember either the diverter came off the manifold, went down then back to the transom? If not the diverter, a rubber elbow did? The 496 that I got is a complete drop in but it didn't come out of a baja. The diverters just angle down like most I have seen. Can this be retrofitted? Can I get an elbow? Do I need different diverters? Part numbers?

Again, this a 496 going into a 272...not a 275

Thanks in advance for any and all help!!!

Can't help you on the exhaust. But the back rest has screws which come in from the bottom (about 5-10 ) and some lag bolts/screws which come in from the sides. You need to reach the side bolts from the side pockets. They are a PIA to get to and often rusted.

I have the lag bolts out and the whole backrest is loose... Just can't maneuver it out. Can't push it forward or lift is straight up because it catches the side pads. When you try and push it back it hits the motor.

Did one of those a few years ago seems like i pulled the seat bottom cushion out then frame out then the backrest had to drop and rotate the backrest .

Side panels are a pia to remove and replace. Finding all the screws is hard, and even harder to put back. When I had all my seats and side panel replaced we put studs in the side panels, that way all I needed to do was put a fender washer and locknut on.
As airjunly said I thing you can remove the back rest by lifting and rotating it from the back, kind of like ) lift and pull the top towards the bow as you lift it out.

Good luck

I have a 252 (same from windshild back as a 272) and the seat back was indeed a problem to remove. It has to be slid back and rotated up from the rear. It will impact the side panels and will make you sweat from fear and exertion, but it should come out. Do not pull on the middle of the backrest as it will break. Pull on one side and then the other. I got so sick and tired of the limited access to the engine, and the flip up dump you on your butt rear seat, that I just ended up removing the whole thing. I have a 496 and it will fit though! It should be a great conversion.

Dan