NoOne N Particular wrote:


My boat has the OMC Cobra 5.7L 260HP engine. At least it did. It
sprung a
couple of water leaks and took out the heads, manifolds, and block.
Anyway,
I am finally getting around to replacing the engine and I am
considering the
new 350 Vortec engine rated at 315HP. From what I have been reading, it
should bolt right up ok, and all of my old mounting brackets should still
bolt up ok, but can the outdrive unit safely and reliably handle the
extra
55 HP? And is there anything else that might come up and bite me in the
butt?

Thanks



Jim Kelly wrote:

OMC used two 350 cu. in GM engines. The lower horsepower version was called a
5.7 litre and used with a Cobra drive. The higher horsepower version was called
a 350 and was used with the King Cobra drive. So, the recommended drive if you
go to the 315 hp engine would be a King Cobra and using a Cobra drive on
anything over about 275 hp would be questionable.

Or, if still unsure, the cone-clutch(King Cobra unit) type should be
able to handle it... it was also used with the Ford 460 / 330 hp. The
clutch dog Cobra will be beyond design limits above 260-275 hp as Jim
Kelly writes, and will be lunched quickly if not babied.

Rob