The Mercury Racing Drag Cowl Face Plate from Buckshot Racing #77 brings back a hard-to-find component for classic Mercury Racing outboards. Handcrafted in the USA using traditional fiberglass lay-up techniques and a gelcoat finish, this replacement front cover is designed for Mercury Racing drag-style engine cowls.
Original Mercury Racing front covers have become increasingly difficult to locate, with OEM part numbers 848291 and 817706A3 listed as No Longer Available (NLA).
Buckshot Racing #77 offers two replacement configurations: a Flat Face Plate for the traditional enclosed cowl appearance and a Ram Air Face Plate featuring a 6-inch opening for custom air-intake applications.
Both versions measure approximately 9 inches wide × 8.5 inches tall, providing options for racing enthusiasts restoring, maintaining, or customizing classic Mercury Racing cowls.
Handcrafted Fiberglass — Made in the USA
Each face plate is handcrafted using fiberglass lay-up construction with a gelcoat finish.
Unlike generic plastic covers, fiberglass construction allows the front plate to maintain the traditional look and character associated with classic Mercury Racing equipment.
The gelcoat surface provides a finished exterior suitable for installation as supplied or additional custom refinishing, depending on the desired appearance.
This handcrafted construction makes the face plates particularly attractive for race boat restorations, replacement of damaged original covers, and custom performance cowl projects.
Made in the USA and available through Buckshot Racing #77.
Option 1: Flat Face Plate — Drag Cowl Style
The Flat Face Plate retains the clean, enclosed appearance of the classic Mercury Racing drag-style cowling.
It is ideal for owners who want to replace a missing, cracked, or damaged original front cover while preserving the traditional racing appearance.
The flat design also provides a suitable surface for Mercury Racing-style graphics, custom decals, boat numbers, or personalized racing finishes.
For restoration projects where maintaining the original cowl profile is a priority, this is the preferred configuration.
Option 2: Ram Air Face Plate — 6-Inch Opening
The Ram Air Face Plate incorporates a large 6-inch circular opening, giving builders an alternative for custom outboard induction and airflow arrangements.
This design offers an open intake configuration while retaining the recognizable Mercury Racing drag-cowl appearance.
The Ram Air option is particularly attractive for customized carbureted and EFI racing outboards where builders want additional intake access or a dedicated air-entry opening.
Actual airflow characteristics depend on engine induction requirements, cowl pressure, opening location, and operating conditions. The opening alone does not guarantee increased horsepower or improved performance.
Builders should also consider water intrusion, spray exposure, and the protection of engine electrical and induction components.
Replacing the Mercury Racing Front Covers
Mercury Racing produced several distinctive lightweight performance cowl designs for its high-performance two-stroke outboards.
Over time, original front covers have become difficult to obtain, especially when restoring older drag-racing engines or replacing damaged fiberglass components.
These Buckshot Racing #77 replacement plates are offered as alternatives for applications associated with discontinued Mercury OEM references:
848291 — Mercury Racing Front Cover, NLA
817706A3 — Mercury Racing Front Cover, NLA
These components are commonly described as a drag cowl face plate, front cover, cowl front plate, or cowling front cover.
Because Mercury used different cowling designs and mounting arrangements across its racing engine families, owners should verify their existing opening, mounting points, and overall dimensions before ordering.
These are independently manufactured replacement parts, not Genuine Mercury OEM components.
Dimensions & Product Specifications
Construction: Hand-laid fiberglass with gelcoat finish
Manufacturing: Handcrafted in the USA
Overall Width: Approximately 9 inches
Overall Height: Approximately 8.5 inches
Available Styles: Flat Face Plate or Ram Air Face Plate
Ram Air Opening: 6-inch diameter
Installation & Fitment Considerations
Before installation, compare the replacement face plate with your original cover or existing cowl opening.
Confirm overall dimensions, mounting-hole placement, fastener compatibility, edge alignment, and clearance around the engine and induction components.
As with other handcrafted fiberglass racing components, minor finishing or fitting adjustments may be required depending on the condition and configuration of the existing cowl.
For the Ram Air design, verify suitable protection against water spray and that the opening will not interfere with the intended induction system.
Never assume that every Mercury Racing cowl uses identical mounting hardware or dimensions.
Choose the Flat Face Plate for the traditional Mercury Racing look or the 6-Inch Ram Air Face Plate for a custom open-intake racing appearance.
Buckshot Racing #77 — Keeping the 2.5 Alive.