TOPIC: Stupid question about motor control cables

Okay in the spirit of "there are no stupid questions" (only stupid people (me)who ask questions LOL). I'm seriously considering putting a more modern engine on my GlassCraft. It is currently set up for a 59 Merc 78A. My question is are there any other motors or brands of motors that will work with the current cables? Or if that is not the case is there an "easy" way to adapt the cables to work? I'm pretty sure the answer is no but thought I might put it out there.
Thanks
Steve

Does your motor have a gear shifter, or is the "Direct Reversing"?

if it is a "Direct Reversing".... NO

If it has a gear shifter then there are many that will work. Just got to be sure the the leavers work in the same directions. You do not want to be pushing forward on the shifter and have the motor go backwards or have to pull back to give it gas

Thanks, no easy answer without seeing it in person then. I thought all 78A's were dock busters?