Re: Best years for OMC 10 horse?

[Leon]

I myself like Frank’s idea. Use a newer crank and rod set retro-fitted in a ’55 – ’57 and you have the toughest 10 ever.
I do believe that the ’58 and later gearcase is pushing the envelope just a bit. That lower unit is barely able to hold up to that much horsepower. Any water intrusion and parts get chewed up bad. The pinion grinds into the bearing badly and that ends up costing you your gears. The older 5 bolt all in all is just so much better. It’s built to take 25 horsepower and that 10 horse powerhead won’t even come close to tearing it up, untill the oil is gone. Plus the 5 bolt was built for more models, for more years, so parts availability is a little better.