Help ID Volve drive and engine

[Fishermark]

I am a Mercruiser guy... but am considering buying a boat that has a Volvo engine and outdrive. The boat is in a pawn shop and the owner knows nothing about it. I have not seen it personally yet. Here's a couple pics of the engine and outdrive. The boat is a 1990 Glastron Sierra.

Anyone know what this is specifically?

Plus, is it considered a good drive and engine? I know that is a very general question, and they may or may not be in good condition... but what is the general consensus? (For example, I know enough of Mercruisers to stay away from the infamous 470).

 

[Bondo]

(For example, I know enough of Mercruisers to stay away from the infamous 470).

Ayuh,...... It Ain't a Chevy motor is it,..??..??



'nuff said,.....

 

[captmello]

Looks like a SP-A outdrive, but not positive. The motor is a 4 cyl volvo motor. Not a bad setup. The motor is factory fresh water cooled if that appeals to you. It's not a chevy.

 

[muc]

Drive has tilt but not trim.
Parts for the motor are expensive and can be hard to find.
I like Volvos but I would take a 470 over this rig.

 

[jeffnick]

The one on the left is a 280, the one on the right is a 250.

Yours looks more like the 280, a later model.

I picked up the 250 as a spare for $80 on eBay but I have an 8 cyl and it's for a 4. So I was looking for an 8 cylinder lower box (interchangeable with the blue part of the 250) and found the whole working 8 cyl drive for $200.

I haven't had even the slightest inclination to upgrade the 250 that's on my boat now. These are very good drives.

Can't tell you much about your motor - mine is a VP260A which is a marinized small block Chevy.

 

[muc]

VERY GOOD drive, but lack of trim on a runabout kills it.

 

[jerryjerry05]

The drive has trim and tilt. Thats a 290 drive.
The drive and motors a great outfit.
BUT!!! The replacement parts are CRAZY expensive.
The Alt 500$ The starter 430$ there is an element in the radiator that cost $1000 if it gets clogged.

You start buying these thing and you'll wish you had bought the 470

 

[Fishermark]

So from what I can tell, it appears that the engine is a 230 - also known as an AQ131. The outdrive is a 290, or SP drive.

Does that sound right? Here's a few more pics if it helps ID things:

 

[captmello]

Yes it looks like an aq131 aka 230, Its an Sp not a 290.

 

[Fishermark]

Well, I took the plunge and bought it. It should be fun getting it back in working condition. The hull is in good shape and the trailer alone is worth the price I paid. I will be asking quite a bit of questions as I dive into the mechanicals. Stay tuned!