3.0 liter Lower unit design change?

[2.5-21]

Did early 3.0 gear cases come with only 5 holes in the water pickups? and a larger cavitation plate?
Does anyone know when they changed to the current style?

[billybob]

I think the very early, torque masters, came with just 5 holes. but it is very possible it has 8 holes, & the top 3 holes are bondoed, to run higher on transom. The current style is the GEN 2. it is completely different. merc. has upgraded 3.0 l/u,s many times, even including verado gearcase, with 7 degree shift shaft offset. they went gen 2 in 2016. on xs motors.

[Varmint]

I'm told the gen 2 has a much bigger pinion gear