[erikgreen]

Hi again all;

As I mentioned in another thread, I just got a new boat for cheap... it's a 21 foot sea ray about the same design as my old one (SRV220), just no hard top. It's also 10 years newer, and comes with a 305 chevy engine instead of a 302 ford like the old one. It's labeled "Mercruiser 228". For those reading the old thread, I had bad info on which engine was included.

I have to fix the engine (milky oil, hence the low price) but if worst comes to worst I think I can swap out the chevy and put in a ford, provided I put in everything from the motor mounts back to the engine coupler, and I think I need to switch controls too.

On the outside chance I can get the 305 fixed, does anyone have any general comments on it? Like, is it hard to get parts, is this a lousy engine in general, or is it a keeper?

Your thoughts appreciated... I'm hoping not to get into a quagmire with this boat like I did on the other one (I replaced the transom, stringers, and everything else but the hull before giving up).

Erik

[imported_John_S]

If the 305 is toast, go with 350 in that size boat. Not worth rebuilding the 305 or installing a 302.

[mtnrat]

The only easy solution is to get a longblock 350 and swap all the parts from the 305. Make sure the longblock is from a similar year so everything swaps.

[erikgreen]

Okay. Is the longblock 350 the same size?

The reason I was thinking 302 is that I already have a running 302 from my other boat, pulled, on blocks in my garage.

[fourwinnsdook]

Find a ford guy and swap him the 302 for a 350. The 305 is the same block as the 350. everything should swap over as long as it's around the same year. the 305 chevy engine is a dog compared to the 350. What is wrong with the 305? if it's an easy fix, fix it and sell them both to get a good 350. You wouldn't be sorry and parts would be a dime a dozen.

[Windykid]

Harmonic balacer will have to be changed to a 350 balancer.

[erikgreen]

I have yet to do work on the 305, but it may be nothing wrong or it may be a cracked block. When it was de-winterized this year the oil was milky. If it can be fixed cheaply I'll fix it and use it for a year, but if not I'll probably go with a 350 long block, maybe with vortec heads.

Anything besides the balancer that would need to be new, besides the usual "long block" parts?

[Haut Medoc]

Forget using the 302 in there.....
There are too many modifications to make it work to be cost effective.....
I agree with the 350 repower, just make sure it is the right vintage....

[erikgreen]

It looks like I might need to sell the 302 then. Should I keep the 888 outdrive, which also works, as a spare or would that need significant mods too? If I can sell both, I'm partway to having a long block if I need it.

[Haut Medoc]

The drive will work just fine as a spare......