Is the backing plate for an earlier transom assembly the same as a newer transom backing plate ? I have 2 backing plates but they are both from very early Bravo transom assemblies . The early kind that used 4 studs , 2 short bolts and 2 sacrificial aluminum bolts at the very bottom . The transom assembly I just picked up is newer with 8 studs . It looks like it will work but I didn’t try yet . Thanks in advance .

The newer inner transom plate is different than the older ones. They have a provision for the oil bottle hose. I have 2 brand new inner plates if you need them.
Also, did you replace the motor mounts on the bellhousing on the rear of the engine. This matters, you may or may not need the spiral washers.

When I wrote my reply I somehow posted it before I was done writing and didn’t know it . Ugh . I don’t know how to delete posts. Thanks Tom , please see next post .

Thank you for the info Tom . The guy I bought the transom assembly from has the backing plate , but stupid me told him I didn’t need it . I’ll call him back . The bell housing I planned on using is one from an old bravo transom.. will that work ?

The bellhousing it self should be fine, it's the rubber mounts that are a different design. You don't use the spiral washer with them. That being said, if you are using an older (Flywheel housing) bellhousing you should replace the motor mount bushings with the new ones. You press the old ones out the bottom and then press the new ones in.

Mercury-Mercruiser 865330A02 MOUNT KIT Rubber

Awesome Tom thank you . So I’ll install those new rubber mounts in my old flywheel housing and that will bolt directly to a new style backing plate , and I won’t install the spiral washers or the fiber washers ?

Instructions come with the bushings. You do not use the spiral washers, you may need the fiber washers if the backing plates don't have what look like a plastic "horse shoe shaped" washer. if your plates have those, it will be obvious. Also, very important to install the mounts correctly with the knurled side down.

Thanks again Tom , you saved me from having a bunch of confusion and wasting time at engine install and alignment time.

I picked up the transom plate that was the mate to the transom assembly I bought . It has the cutout for the oil line . It has fiber washers and not horseshoe clips . I also ordered the mounts Tom listed . If I understand correctly I will now use the newer transom plate , fiber washers only and new style flywheel housing mounts . I will review the directions when the mounts get here .

Yes, exactly!
Note:The mount kit does come with a pair of steel washer that could be placed where the old style spiral washers were. These are only used if you have issues aligning engine with transom assembly. They slightly raise the rear of the engine. (If you have solid "offshore style" motor mounts and the alignment was correct to begin with and the fact that you would have minimal adjustment, could create the need for using the washers.)