Mercruiser 898 Inboard Installation

[Woodwin]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone familiar with a 1984 Mercrusier 898 (305 V8) could please let me know their thoughts on using this engine for an inboard installation with a Velvet Drive transmission and straight shaft arrangement on a 19-1/2 foot boat. I was looking for a marine engine for this application when I came across this one that is advertised as a complete rebuilt drop in unit including wiring harness, manifolds, alternator, carburetor, ect... The seller decided not to finish with a restoration of his boat and he already sold the hull and outdrive and only has the motor left.

Besides the drive train, exhaust system, and fuel system, if I got this motor I think the next thing I would need to find would be an instrument panel and throttle controls from a boat with a similar engine that I could use for this motor (I do not have an instrument panel or controls for this project). What other Mercrusier models and years do you think might work for parts donors and are there other related parts or controls I might need? This is my first boat project and I need to figure it out as I go.

Thanks for your input,

Woodwin

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Mercruiser 898 Inboard Installation

The motor should be a drop in, but you`ll need motor mounts, the flywheel and flex plate, a reverse rotation start if aft mounted entry for a standard motor

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 898 Inboard Installation

Ayuh,...
Once you marry that I/O motor to an Inboard driveline,...
The Controls,+ Gauges don't care... Their not motor specfic, nor really vintage specfic...

 

[coastalcruiser]

Re: Mercruiser 898 Inboard Installation

Your carb needs to be level so don't forget unlike sterndrives inboards sit on an angle.
I pointed that out to a guy with his outboard engine on Muffs, tilted and wondering why it wouldn't start!
He tilted it down ans it fired right up

 

[Woodwin]

Re: Mercruiser 898 Inboard Installation

Thanks for the replys,

Yes I will need a tilt shim to level out the carburetor, engine mounts, flexplate, and I might need a new starter depending on the mounting. I am not sure if the flywheel that is on the motor now will work with the flexplate and the velvet drive, I would have to look into that. Also maybe I would need a bell housing to suit the velvet drive. I believe an automotive bell housing will work, I am not sure what would be on the 898 Mercruiser for a bell housing. If I go ahead with this motor I will get a used instument panel.

Another consideration for the inboard being on an angle would be the oil pan and pick up tube.

Your input is helping me with my notes.

Woodwin

 

[coastalcruiser]

Re: Mercruiser 898 Inboard Installation

that's a long list, I'm doing an engine swap too. it's not easy, this is the second time Ive done it the first time I used a 888 (ford) that's was real easy cause my boat came with one
Now 6 years later I ripped every thing out and I just got a 97 volvo duoprop with 5.7 (Chevrolet) it came with wiring, gauges, everything I need and even with all the things that have gone my way it's a real project and not cheap.
take my advice, pick the re-power that has been in a boat like yours.... trust me!