Mecruiser 228 ID and swap help

[gchaney]

I just acquired a 1979 Formula Thunderbird 233 on trade for an old waverunner I had. As far as I can tell it has a 1978 Mercruiser 228 with serial number "4929438" can someone correct me if I am wrong. The outdrive as best I can tell is an Alpha One but all the exterior plates are worn of is there any other ways to ID an outdrive? There is a serial number on the internal stern bracket "4907749" if that would help any. My final question is what would be the implications of installing a newer model IE one piece seal 5.7 engine?

thank you

 

[dubs283]

Re: Mecruiser 228 ID and swap help

can't tell if you are wrong from here, i can't see it

if the tag says 228 with that engine serial number, most likely that is what you have (GM 305, 228 hp)

factory, that '78 boat would have had an MC-1 drive, quick way to tell is the top cap and cav. plate

MC-1 = eye hook in top cap and rounded aft portion of cav. plate

Alpha, R/MR = flap top cap and squared aft portion of cav. plate

don't know about swapping out the motors, in my experince the greater the number of years between engines equals the greater the number of hurdles one must overcome to achieve success

if you want a newer engine, buy a newer boat - its just easier that way

 

[gchaney]

Re: Mecruiser 228 ID and swap help


here is a picture of the outdrive not sure if this helps ID any

 

[dubs283]

Re: Mecruiser 228 ID and swap help

cant really tell from that angle, not a goot shot of the top cap or cav. plate

looking down at the cav plate if its rounded its MC-1, from the side if the top cap has the eye hook its MC-1

judging from the photo, it appears to be an MC-1

 

[gchaney]

Re: Mecruiser 228 ID and swap help

Thank you for the help I will have to take a closer look at it when I get back to it today and see if I can get some better pictures. I dont remember seeing any Eye hooks but I wouldn't have been looking for them once again thank you

 

[pismo10]

Re: Mecruiser 228 ID and swap help

That is an R drive, lifting eye on top, it was big in the 70s early 80s, it was replaced by the MR, flat top, (which was a beta version Alpha 1) The MR was then replaced by the Alpha 1, flat top, in 1985. Then the Bravo came in 1987. All V8s were 1.5 ratio. MRs and Alpha are considered stronger but the R is a good drive behind a 302 Ford or a 305 Chevy. it will last a long time. That is at least 30 years old already. They were on 260/350 boats as well.

An MR or Alpha will bolt right to that transom assembly so if you need to swap it is no big deal.

An R drive uses different gaskets than the MR or Alpha 1.

The R, MR, Alpha, TRS and Bravo 1 all use the same props.

It is a classic....

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mecruiser 228 ID and swap help

That is an R drive, lifting eye on top, it was big in the 70s early 80s, it was replaced by the MR, flat top, (which was a beta version Alpha 1) The MR was then replaced by the Alpha 1, flat top, in 1985. Then the Bravo came in 1987. All V8s were 1.5 ratio. MRs and Alpha are considered stronger but the R is a good drive behind a 302 Ford or a 305 Chevy. it will last a long time. That is at least 30 years old already. They were on 260/350 boats as well.

An MR or Alpha will bolt right to that transom assembly so if you need to swap it is no big deal.

An R drive uses different gaskets than the MR or Alpha 1.

The R, MR, Alpha, TRS and Bravo 1 all use the same props.

It is a classic....

Ayuh,... The TRS uses a Much bigger prop than the others....

And,....
What's with yer draggin' these antiques up to the top of the forum,..??
Cut it out please...