1976 MercCruiser Ford 320 and 898 Outdrive

[SRV220-76]

I'm relatively new to boating and only recently purchased a 1976 Sea Ray srv220 Cuddy, with the MercCruiser Ford 320/188HP engine.

I immediately began to look for any and all info for this boat and powertrain, and decided to order two paperback repair manuals and a 1 year subscription to an online service manual too.

Using these references, I then worked through the process of identifying the model/serial numbers on my engine and outdrive. I determined I have a 898 Outdrive.

Based on the model/serial number info and the info from the service manuals, I understand that the 888 outdrive was paired up the the Ford 302; not the 898 which was paired to a GM engine.

Does anyone have insight or experience on this?

Also, is the 898 an Alpha or a Bravo? This may seem like a lame question, but I have not been able to follow the meaning of these names.

Thanks.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: 1976 MercCruiser Ford 320 and 898 Outdrive

The 888 and 898 are basically the same outdrive, they were just labeled differently to distinguish the engine platform. They are both pre-alpha outdrives, but for all intents and purposes the same as an Alpha I aside from some trim ram sizing.

 

[180shabah]

Re: 1976 MercCruiser Ford 320 and 898 Outdrive

888/898 are pre alpha and in no way related to the bravo drives.

alpha introduced in '83, bravo in 88 or 89.

Check the adults only section for free merc manuals.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: 1976 MercCruiser Ford 320 and 898 Outdrive

Yeah, I'm not real sure as to the reason they named them that way other than it being just the 888th version of the prototype, lol. If it makes you feel any better, they also had another version called the 233, which was mated to the Ford 351W. That 233 relates to the HP produced by a 2bbl 351W (233HP, see my sig). I don't think they're getting 888HP or 898HP out of the 302 or 305/350 powerplants though!

 

[ziggy]

Re: 1976 MercCruiser Ford 320 and 898 Outdrive

yep, pre alpha, mc-1 even..

the way i understand it..

888= 8 cyl., 188hp

898= 8 cyl., 198hp

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1976 MercCruiser Ford 320 and 898 Outdrive

yep, pre alpha, mc-1 even..

the way i understand it..

888= 8 cyl., 188hp

898= 8 cyl., 198hp

Ayuh,.... The way I see it is,..
888= 8 cyl., 188hp = Ford

898= 8 cyl., 198hp = Chevy

Same darn Drives though...

 

[ziggy]

Re: 1976 MercCruiser Ford 320 and 898 Outdrive

Same darn Drives though...

with different gear ratios though.

888=1.5:1
898=1.65:1

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: 1976 MercCruiser Ford 320 and 898 Outdrive

Good info, I kept trying to figure out where the first "8" came from since I was aware of the HP ratings, but I never thought it would just signify the number of cylinders, lol. Apparently my boat is a two-cylinder then.