Gm v8 and 888 outdrive??

[Dieselhead]

Ok first post here but I'm a big fan and big reader. I currently have been stock piling boats and parts to start assembling one for my use. I am taking ownership of a 1976 century arabian that needs some tlc that originally had the 302 888 combo. I'm getting the boat minus the 302 but with a fully rebuilt outdrive. I also have a 1986 celebrity with a 4.3 alpha one gen one( as far as I know) with a cracked block. I have a bunch of different small block gms around and want to know if I can use the 4.3 coupler on a sbc and mate that to the 888??? Of the outdrive a I have the 888 is the only one that was mated to a v8 so the gear ratios should be correct. The exhaust will be through hull. I'm just trying to get a plan together. I will be stealing parts from several boats I have here all 76-85 mercruisers. Thanks to any help in advance. Hopefully ill start my rebuild thread soon. I've read as much as I can find on the topic so now it's time for others inputs.

 

[RCAnderson]

The 888 outdrive is 1.5-1, so you are good there, and the bolt pattern is the same. It should work fine, as I am pretty sure the input shaft spline is the same, although the lengths might be different.

 

[Dieselhead]

Thank you rc, I'm happy to hear that. I hope it all works. If not ill buy an alpha upper 1.47 if I have to. I'm excited to start on this. I can't wait to have through hulls on a v8 of my own.

 

[achris]

The drive that came with the 888 engine (Ford 302) is the MC-1. The decal on the back that says '888' is an engine designator, not the drive model. The MC-1 fitted behind the 302 was a 1.5:1, as already stated...

As for the engines. Be careful. Merc made some changes in 1974, and then again in 1983. Some parts from one era will fit another, some will not. The biggest changes at those time were...

1974. Changed the transom cutout slightly and moved 2 of the bolts holes. Early MC-1 (pre 1976) inner transom plates can't be used on later gimbal housings.
1983. Changed the rear engine mount spacing. From about 14" to about 10". MC-1 engine flywheel housings will not match up to later (R. MR, Alpha One) inner transom plates. Also the yoke length for the in-line engines changed to match the V engines. This year also saw the method by which the steering cable was connected to the inner transom plate change. Before 1983 the steering used a drag-link from the cable end to the steering arm. 1983 and later connect the cable directly to the steering arm.

HTH,

Chris.........

 

[NHGuy]

Love Centuries. Arabians, Resorters, and especially Coronados with the sliding tops. That Arabian will be so cool.
If I may suggest, try to place the exhaust in the water even though you are going through hull. It's still low back pressure dual outlet, and you can still hear it, but you won't be as annoying during warm up.

 

[achris]

... I can't wait to have through hulls on a v8 of my own.

Almost forgot... The novelty of that ^^^ will wear off in about 5 minutes. After that, it's just plain annoying. Suggest you put the 'thru-prop' exhaust pipe on while the engine is out. 90% likelihood you'll be wanting to go back to it after the first day out.

Just saying.

 

[flipbro]

I have Thru hull exhaust and its true it gets annoying very quick.

 

[thumpar]

The only way I would to thru hull is with captains call. I like the way mine sounds the way it is but there are times I would like to open it up.

 

[Bondo]

I have Thru hull exhaust and its true it gets annoying very quick.

Ayuh,.... Agreed,..... I put thru-hulls on my barge 'bout 15 years ago,....

Been redesignin, 'n rebuildin' since 'bout 15 minutes after I hit the water with 'em,....

Too stubborn or to foolish to pull the motor, 'n put the y-pipe back in,....

If ya go thru-hulls, ya Gotta put the tips below water level, at displacement speed, 'n below,....
It'll still make to much noise on plane, but will be Quiet in the marina,....

For the mix, 'n match of parts ya got,....
I'm thinkin' ya wanta use the later model transom assembly, with the parts from the 4.3l to make yer SBC,....

The drive will swap to the transom, no problem,....Mod.1 drive will interchange with the Alpha 1, drive for drive,.....

 

[Dieselhead]

Ok that sounds great!!! I will have to submerge the exhaust for sure. Like I said I haven't started on this project yet but soon I will. I was hoping it would bolt up! I have a pretty nice Mariah with a 4.3 lx that we use now so the arabian will be like my hot rod lol. I'm pretty mechanically inclined but I need to learn the marine lingo before I ask more questions. The arabian will be getting complete interior and paint as well. I wish I was working on it now. Thanks a ton guys for the answers. Ill have a ton of questions coming for sure!!