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Conversion kit for mounting a GM motor Has anyone done it

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followingsea

Regular Contributor
"I've noticed that someone

"I've noticed that someone is selling new conversion kits for around $500 that allow mounting a GM motor to the older 270, 280 legs. The kit includes the bellhousing, flexplate, shaft bearings, etc.

They just specify that the mainshaft has fine splines, so you would have to get the matching yoke coming out of the outdrive.

I'm ALMOST tempted to convert my AQ140a and 280 and drop in a nice little GM 4 banger--just because of the obscene prices for Volvo parts.

I'm still at the stage of my rebuild project where I haven't re-installed my AQ140. I'm just doing a lot of thinking before I make my final commitment concerning which motor I'm going to live with for the next few years. The 280 outdrive is in great shape so there's no decision there--it stays.

We all know of the growing scarcity of certain parts like oil coolers, water strainer housing, heat exchangers, sidedraft carbs, etc..

A conversion over to a little GM 4 cylinder and reasonably priced parts seems like a good idea.
Has anyone done it?"
 
"I don't want to disappoin

"I don't want to disappoint you, but it ain't what you think it is.

For starters, that bellhousing will fit a V6 and a V8 GM, but not a 4 cylinder. And even if you decided to install a V6 or a V8 in your boat, you still need to install a Y-pipe that fits the new exhaust manifolds and risers, and that Y-pipe will not work on your current transom shield. You will need the 280 transom shield with the double bypass, because the relief holes (2 instead of 1) are at a different height than the one you have now. Also, only the late 280s and the early 290s outdrives came with the U-joint yoke having a 26 (fine) groove spline and internal retainer clips instead of a 10 (coarse) groove spline, and most likely you have the latter. These yokes are hard to find, and they are not cheap.

Sorry, but I think you are stuck with a 4 cylinder Volvo Penta, unless you want to install a V6 or V8 and have deep pockets."
 
"Darn! So close and yet so far

"Darn! So close and yet so far...


I'm really surprised that someone hasn't come up with a simple adapter kit for a 4 cylinder GM motor to a 270/280, etc..

Looks like I'm committed to serving my AQ140 for a few years L.O.L."
 
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