Mercuriser ?

themagicone

Cadet
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Sep 1, 2007
Messages
16
Okay I have a Chevy 283 casting # 3789935 attached to a Merc outdrive serial number 2728880. Now, what do I say I have when I go looking for parts? I need exhaust headers, intake, carb, few other things.
 

WillyBWright

Fleet Admiral
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Dec 29, 2003
Messages
8,200
Re: Mercuriser ?

Since MerCruiser never used a 283, about all you can do is match-up parts from the smallblock GMs that they did use. Jetting for the carb is going to be anybody's guess, and an appropriate marine camshaft probably doesn't exist.
 

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
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70,465
Re: Mercuriser ?

Ayuh,.....

The motor's Casting # means about Nothing,.....
And,.....
Unless You want to track down the Outdrive # at a parts listing or something,....
Maybe you could post a few Pictures or something.....
Most Mercruiser #s have a letter or 2,......

You'll need to supply Much More Info for Us to Help you.......
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Mercuriser ?

It's indead a 283, with that casting number, used from 61-64.

Merc also used the 283 in 63 and 64, it was called the 190 back then, the distributor was automotive with a vacuum advance and the window to adjust the points.......
 

rodbolt

Supreme Mariner
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Sep 1, 2003
Messages
20,066
Re: Mercuriser ?

wow
the dreaded 283.
almost as bad as the renault motors.
I am so glad we dont see them in the salt pond anymore.
parts from merc are most likly going to be NLA.
pictures may help us to assist in crossing over to later style parts.
unless this rig has a lot of sentimental value it may be better to consider repowering.
 

themagicone

Cadet
Joined
Sep 1, 2007
Messages
16
Re: Mercuriser ?

Well thats not good news! What would be an good replacement for it so I don't have to change the outdrive? Now, as I've heard from other post - I can't use an automotive engine so this might get expensive!
 

Bondo

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Re: Mercuriser ?

I can't use an automotive engine

Ayuh,..?....
Where'd ya hear that B/S,..??..??....

A SBC is a SBC,.......
It depends on How,+ with What components you use to put it Together,.....
That determines the motors ultimate Use...........

And,.......
I'd be concerned with just What that Drive is,.........

Anything Older than the Mod.1s, or Pre-Alphas are pretty tough to get Parts for..........
 

themagicone

Cadet
Joined
Sep 1, 2007
Messages
16
Re: Mercuriser ?

What version of mercruiser would the be considered? III? II? Aplha? I'm looking around for a fully set up marine engine to put in there as I'm missing headers, cooling system parts, distro, etc If i took it apart i could put it back together but i have no idea how I would put this thing back together with the right parts.
 

Bondo

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70,465
Re: Mercuriser ?

I would Strip it to the Hull,+ Go back together with the Driveline from a Donor boat.......

Say a late 80s, early 90s donor with a 350, Bravo package.......
 

wire2

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 25, 2007
Messages
1,584
Re: Mercuriser ?

Would a 88 chevy 350 w/ alpha drive work? Got a whole set up for $700!
Is that a marine engine with the right accessories? Then yes.
Or if you put the right accessories on a Chev engine, ok.
 

themagicone

Cadet
Joined
Sep 1, 2007
Messages
16
Re: Mercuriser ?

Yeah it came out of a 88 starcraft with a shot hull - just straight pull, motor and all. I'd rebuild the 283 but its missing a bunch of parts
 

wire2

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 25, 2007
Messages
1,584
Re: Mercuriser ?

Wow, great deal! Go for it.
 
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