That year should be an alpha one. The bell housing is flat at the top.Even the lower unit is different at the top does not have the lifting ring, also trim plates are wider were the trim shocks bolt. Plus the prop shaft is stamped with the letter A
Not to worry since you could still transfer the lower unit to the pre-alpha bell housing but I would use the round top gasket. With all the mercruiser parts available stick with the design it was made for. (the internet has many illustration shown between the mercruiser outdrives)
Thanks step ,I just couldn't remember which it was , I had one from an old project that I didn't need that was fresh water used .I needed to know how to list it on Craigslist, someone was delighted to come buy it , I just can't believe the number of calls I got on it. I'm getting rid of all my Mercruiser stuff now, I'll never have an I/o again .i can't believe how reluctant I was to go to outboards
