replacing engine (305) in 79 SeaRay???

[mxerchris]

I have a 1979 SeaRay SRV197 that I love but the engine locked up over the weekend and am wanting to replace the motor any recomendations on the least expensive thing to do with it, I also need to replace the log style manifolds and was wondering where the cheapest place to get them. Thanks for any help.
Chris...

 

[Fishermark]

Re: replacing engine (305) in 79 SeaRay???

If everything else is okay - the starter, alternator, etc. then I would suggest buying a crate engine from a Chevy dealer or other online source for a truck. Double check that the core plugs (freeze plugs) are brass, then bolt all your externals on with new exhaust manifolds and risers.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: replacing engine (305) in 79 SeaRay???

By the way - welcome aboard!

If you do a search, you will see this is discussed quite frequently. Click here for an example.

 

[ken_23434]

Re: replacing engine (305) in 79 SeaRay???

This is probably not a complete list, but a marine engine will have a different cam, stainless steel head gasket and brass core (freeze) plugs. So, if you went a truck long block route, you would need to swap out at least those items.

Depending on what happened to the engine to lock it up, a rebuild might be a cheaper route for you.

I think the standard GM truck 350 crate motor usually sells for about $1200. But, you will need to pull the heads off for the head gasket swap, along with swapping the cam...

If you engine locked up because an exhaust manifold failure that flooded a cylinder with water (hydraulic lock), it should be a simple rebuild, and cheaper than an engine replacement.

 

[Bondo]

Re: replacing engine (305) in 79 SeaRay???

Ayuh,... I'd pull the Drive 1st,... It could be the problem, rather than the motor...

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: replacing engine (305) in 79 SeaRay???

Have you pulled the sparkplugs and checked for water in the cylinders, maybe your just hydrolocked. If so take quick action to save the motor!

 

[bomar76]

Re: replacing engine (305) in 79 SeaRay???

305 what? Ford Chevy?

List all the 305's produced by Ford.....

 

[sarantis]

Re: replacing engine (305) in 79 SeaRay???

before you attempt any swap scan the relative threads (305 to 350 swap).Some thigs do not match if you go to a later vintage 350 of one-piece rear seal.Find what caused the lock-up if don't want to lockup another one engine.The newer style manifolds i think demands newer style y-pipe and A1 transom than pre alpha that you have now.Put an expert to chek the cylinder walls and if they are good maybe the easiest and cheapest way is to replace the head gaskets and get a new or rebuilt pair of heads.

 

[Don S]

Re: replacing engine (305) in 79 SeaRay???

All of your accessories (carb, intake, exhaust, pulleys, brackets, ignition, etc. etc.) are exactly the same as a 350. Several options are out there for marine rebuilt engines of the same vintage as your engine. That is your most economical cure.
If the manifolds and risers are bad, and the kill lots of engines, then they need replaced too.
350's are normally less expensive, and more powerful (torque) than a 305, mostly because they are more common.

PS: 302=Ford, 305=Chevy, 350=Chevy

 

[ken_23434]

Re: replacing engine (305) in 79 SeaRay???

PS: 302=Ford, 305=Chevy, 350=Chevy

Confuses some people since the 302 Ford is the Ford 5.0 but GM refers to their 305 as a 5.0 also.

PS: Chevy did make a 302 in 67, 68, and 69. They were only available in the Z28. They got 302 by using a 4" bore block (350) with the shorter stroke crank from the 283.

 

[Fossilized]

Re: replacing engine (305) in 79 SeaRay???

The link below is the best deal I have found to date for a 350.

Of course you do not get the warranty since you would put the engine to marine use. For fresh water I believe you can use the engine "as is".

Not the engine is the older - 1985 & older - 2 piece rear seal that uses a different flywheel than the 1986 & newer engines.

The price beats all but the lowest cost rebuilds.

http://www.sdpc2000.com/details/gm-goodwrench-replacement-engines/10067353

 

[Bondo]

Re: replacing engine (305) in 79 SeaRay???

Confuses some people since the 302 Ford is the Ford 5.0 but GM refers to their 305 as a 5.0 also.

PS: Chevy did make a 302 in 67, 68, and 69. They were only available in the Z28. They got 302 by using a 4" bore block (350) with the shorter stroke crank from the 283.

Ayuh,... Actually is was the short stroke 327 block in 67,+ 68....
In 69 the 350 was born by stroking out the 327.....

 

[mxerchris]

Re: replacing engine (305) in 79 SeaRay???

Sorry for not replying thougt I would get an email when someone replied and just now got a chance to check the thread. Unfortunately I cant rebuild the motor, the block has been cracked on both sides for 8 or 9 years dye ginded them out and used sonic weld as temporary fix also both log style exhaust are cracked. I got a rebuilt 350 from a 70 Vette last night that I'm going to change 1. cam to marine cam 2. to brass freeze plugs 3. stainless head gaskets (is this necessary if it only sees fresh water?) 4. swap over my oil pan, intake and valve covers. Then I guess once I get the old engine out will be to determine what else needs replacing. I posted another thread but will ask again here, should I change over to center risers manifolds or go back with log style? Advantages, disadvantages?
Thanks.

 

[proshadetree]

Re: replacing engine (305) in 79 SeaRay???

I never replace head gaskets with marine I use the blue peratorque. Last 4 marine engines I have pulled out had steel freeze plugs. Cam can be a rv or mild street and do just fine. Wild camshafts that do not let the engine idle down are hard on out drives due to the fact they don't engage well above certain rpm. There is also a risk of pulling water back in due to overlap.Jet drives are not as prone to this if the exhaust is designed right.