size of engine

[theitguy]

I have a Mercruiser 188 Hp V-8 inboard outboard engine. the boat is a 1977 bowrider. Is this a 5 Litre Ford 302?

 

[ParallaxBill]

Re: size of engine

Yep, sounds like a 302 Ford small block to me. Distributor mounted up front? Motor painted blue?

 

[mkast]

Re: size of engine

If the distributor is in the front of the engine right behind the water pump it's a 302.

 

[Windykid]

Re: size of engine

Yep thats a 302. It is also cast in the head under the valve cover.

 

[theitguy]

Re: size of engine

well its not painted blue but rather black.
What is the closest automotive equivalent to this engine

So far I have been loooking at parts for it as a 1977 Thunderbird V-8?
Is there a better automotive equivalent I can use since I asked for an ignition coil for it and the 77 model had clip posts and I have screw on posts and the 74 equivalent had screw on posts but was slightly larger....

By the way the distributor is at the top front of the engine behind the water pump.

 

[mkast]

Re: size of engine

Don't fall into the habit of replacing marine parts with automotive parts.
There is a reason why the parts are called "marine" an "automotive".
Find a used marine 351 cu. in. engine, as low as $200, used and running.
If you replace the 188hp 302 with a 233hp 351 you'll think you died and went to heaven.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: size of engine

Cripes, if you find a marine 351 that cheap, running, and complete with the parts you need sign me up. I haven't seen one for less than $500 lately, and that's with a lot of hours.

On the bright side, you can in fact put in a 351 HO model, which will have 260 or so horsies, and then bolt on upgrades to take it above 300, at which point you'll probably need to replace your sterndrive and transom kit so it doesn't explode.

FYI, the coils are actually a pretty generic part - most automotive or aftermarket coils where the connectors will fit will work.

For finding parts for it, look for "302 small block"... and make sure you get marine parts where needed, ask here if you're not sure if you need a marine-ized part.

Erik

 

[mkast]

Re: size of engine

$100 on EBay, MIE 233 hp 351 complete with fresh water cooling.
Six months ago, cost me more money in fuel for the truck to pick it up in
FLA.
Interesting story on the 351.
Auto shop at the tech college were I work overhauled the engine.
Bore and deck the block, turn the crank, re-size the rods, valve job with new guides on the decked heads, engine balance, assembly, as a class project.
Owner paid for shot peening the rods, new pistons, Crane cam and lifters, oil pump, chain, gasket kit, rings and bearings, $650
Topped it off with an Offenhauser Dual Port manifold $75 and 650 Holley $50 off EBay. Holley rebuild kit from Summit for $28, (carb rebuild, class project). I think it was $30 for the Holley throttle conversion kit from Summit. The Pertronix ignition and plug wires were taken off the 188hp engine the 351 replaced. Center riser exhaust manifolds replaced the log style, $200. New exhaust elbows off EBay $15. Exhaust hose from NAPA $2 per foot. With the closed system cooling the boat owner installed a heat exchanger with fan in the front off the 19 footer, it's warm in the boat in Nov. and Dec. now.