2.5 mercruiser help please

[lasttimearound]

Anyone here know older mercruiser. I have a 1974 switzercraft with a 2.5 mercruiser it idles fine however when I engage the outdrive it runs like crap. With the outdrive disengaged it idles and revs fine however with it engaged it chokes out on the top end and sounds f'n terrible. I just inherited this boat and am trying to get it good as new. Any help would be appreciated or if anyone knows any good local shops.

[1320PNY]

A good friend of mine in Michigan is an outboard guru. He was handed old motors all his life. He lives on a lake and his newest motor is a 1980's Mercury.

I'll try to get a hold of him on Tuesday and PM you his suggestions.

[lasttimearound]

That would be great. I'm going to restomod this thing it's f'n sweet and should have 120hp.