merc inline 6 question

[CAP'N ROG]

have 2 inline 6 cylinder 115hp mercurys one is a 1983 with distributerless ignition the block needs to be resleaved.i checked the" extra" engine that came with the boat and its a 1978 with a distributer it has 120psi compression in all cylinders, its missing the lower unit i would have to put it on the 83 unit to try it.can the ignitions be swapped i know i would have to swap intakes?

[Clams Canino]

It's much better to swap lower units than intakes. They will swap safely - intakes are line bored with their block and might not. Just put the distributor type powerhead on the newer leg and lower.

-W

[Jeff_G]

The 78 can be converted by changing the upper end cap and some fancy shimming. If you are really not that familiar I wouldn't try it. The front halves would not and can not be interchanged without machine work. They are different lengths.

[Clams Canino]

Jeff what year was the change from dist. to ADI anywho?

-W

[CAP'N ROG]

thanks for the info you saved me alot of headaches.going out to garage today and install 78 on lower unit and see if it runs