What do I have???

[Lakelandracer]

I recently traded my 77 Cascade Jet boat for a 74 Reinell cabin cruiser. At the time I thought that it was a good deal, but upon further reveiw and tearing up the deck I noticed that it needs extensive repairs to the stringers, deck etc... My question, or shall I saw questions is. I was told that it had a 351 Merc in it. The valve cover says MerCruiser on it, and 188hp. Upon anybodys experience with this age of boat, does anybody know what I have. Could it be a 302? I would think that a 35 would have more HP than 188. My other main question is that the motor is leaded. Is there a website that I can visit that shows how to convert to a regular motor, or should I just replace the heads??? Anybodys help would be a great help!!!

 

[Don S]

Re: What do I have???

The model number is 888, and it is the 302 Ford with a Mercruiser 1 drive.

 

[Lakelandracer]

Re: What do I have???

Perfect!!!! Just what I didn't want to hear!! Well I guess that there is only one thing to do. Go big block, or go home right!!! Time for the 460 widow maker to make her come back. Can a mercruiser 1 drive handle the torque of a 460? OR......OR how about a mildly built 351 Cleveland? I Even have a 302 HO from a mid 80's stang?

 

[Bondo]

Re: What do I have???

Time for the 460 widow maker to make her come back. Can a mercruiser 1 drive handle the torque of a 460? OR......OR how about a mildly built 351 Cleveland?

Ayuh,... Neither motor has Ever been used by Mercruiser,... There's No parts to make 'em Fit...

 

[Lakelandracer]

Re: What do I have???

Thats more news that I didn't really need to hear!!! Well ok.... Is there any other kind of motor that I can put in that would be dare I say an upgrade??? I'm not looking to make any new time records or anything, Just looking to have some get up and go. If no engine, how about replacing the heads or doing something to make them non leaded. Cause 188 HP, is just not gonna cut it in my driveway! Heck my wifes car has more HP than that!!!

 

[77Saturn620]

Re: What do I have???

A 302 can be built to make great power. A million after market parts.
Stick with the 302. Heads ...cams...all pretty cheap for them.

Small block will rev quicker too.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: What do I have???

Put stainless valves in and call it a day?

Heck, cant you put in some lead additive to the tank or are those all regulated out of existince?

 

[etech2008]

Re: What do I have???

On something that old you can't relay on any writing or stickers on the motor. The EASY way to tell if you have a 302 or a 351 is on the intake. On a 302 the temperature sender is between the distrubutor and the carb on a 351 it is next to the distrubutor.

Good luck

 

[Lakelandracer]

Re: What do I have???

I'll take a look at the motor and see what I have exactly. As far as I know I should be able to get the additive at a local automotive store. Well thanks for the info everybody, I'll keep you up to date with me restoration as time goes by. If anybody hears anything about a kit for a 460, let me know. I would love to put a 460 in this. Thanks again