How can you tell if you have a true Mercury Drag motor?

[stoneman]

I'm looking at purchasing a boat the has a 2003 Mercury Drag powerhead on it, I would like to know how I can distinguish between a 260 and a Drag. Is there serial numbers or marking on the block that you can tell the difference by?

PS: The Drag powerhead will probably be going up for sale!

Thanks Stoneman!

[tnelsmn]

I have no experience whatsoever in this field. But I came across this chart on the site before and saved it. Hope it can help and someone with more knowledge chimes in. 455345

[tlwjkw]

1999 and up justa glance found one thing that "seems" ta hold true with tha alternator bosses.. they aren't threaded on a drag.. tha few I've seen were not.. also if its "untouched" it will have a black (56lb) reg.

[powerabout]

is there any difference in the HP block castings for a given capacity?
like 245/260 280 300drag are the same less the ports in the liner?

[BUZZIN' DOZEN]

I know this is no guarantee, but a drag had no flywheel cover so no corresponding marks in the normal(260)place on the flywheel, drags had the timing pointer by the starter and marks moved accordingly

[tlwjkw]

I know this is no guarantee, but a drag had no flywheel cover so no corresponding marks in the normal(260)place on the flywheel, drags had the timing pointer by the starter and marks moved accordingly


:thumbsup:……. like bobby said, "gettin' harder ta get stuff to tha top"!

[patchesII]

Unfortunately there were some late 260’s that we’re cast with alternator bosses that weren’t drilled. From the outside you can’t tell the difference other than the two letter stamp on the port side. The Drag should have an SS stamp. If it’s stamped SS it’s a Drag

Only sure fire way to tell is pull the divider plate. The Drag(and 280) exhaust chest have smooth sides with no bumps around the water passages.

[stoneman]

1999 and up justa glance found one thing that "seems" ta hold true with tha alternator bosses.. they aren't threaded on a drag.. tha few I've seen were not.. also if its "untouched" it will have a black (56lb) reg.
That makes sense, I had a 1998 260 that was cast from the 280 mold that had the alternator bosses that were not threaded!

[tlwjkw]

seems like '98 for 260/280/300 was 'bout tha same as '91 for production motors!.. merc seemed ta be confused again....:reddevil:

[stoneman]

The motor is supposedly a 2003, so if it it's date stamped 03 and has the SS stamp with the SVS and undrilled alternator bosses, etc I should feel pretty confident that it is a Drag.

Unfortunately there were some late 260’s that we’re cast with alternator bosses that weren’t drilled. From the outside you can’t tell the difference other than the two letter stamp on the port side. The Drag should have an SS stamp. If it’s stamped SS it’s a Drag

Only sure fire way to tell is pull the divider plate. The Drag(and 280) exhaust chest have smooth sides with no bumps around the water passages.

[tlwjkw]

The motor is supposedly a 2003, so if it it's date stamped 03 and has the SS stamp with the SVS and undrilled alternator bosses, etc I should feel pretty confident that it is a Drag.

would get my vote...……...

[stoneman]

Thanks for all the input!!!!

Stoney

[patchesII]

The motor is supposedly a 2003, so if it it's date stamped 03 and has the SS stamp with the SVS and undrilled alternator bosses, etc I should feel pretty confident that it is a Drag.

Yes

[stoneman]

Thanks Erik!!

[Mrzip]

Stamped SS.

[TEXAS20225]

Tommy your wandering around in that foggy swamp again this morning:cheers: Happy New Year you old Geezer

[tlwjkw]

I was bobby.. had my mornin' nap now though.. all better!.. have a good one to sir!

[TEXAS20225]

Nappppp ? does it help? if you bump into some body next time your ramblin around in there get me out i been there forever;)

[Jay Smith]

Eric is correct some very late model 260’s have the un threaded alternator bosses as does Drags , drags also have a high exhaust port mapping around 1”.535” with very free flowing chest , 260 around 1”.565” with tons of exhaust chest meat , 280 around 1”.625” exhaust mapping with free flowing chest like drag ...

I’m building 3 260’s now just finished 1 225 PM and 1 200 EFI man been busy at the end of 2019

Peace to all and pray for a great 2020 !!!!

[stoneman]

Happy New Year!

Thanks Jay!