1977 302.

[slim6969]

Hello everyone I bought a boat that has a 1977 302 188hp.
I know merc has not used ford since the 70s so I know that the engine is the one that come with the boat. I know nothing about this engine as far as hours repairs etc. parts don’t seem to be hard to find. I have a 4.3l and out drive (the transom mounts as well ). Out of my old boat

I know I can get power adders for the ford. Intake carb cam etc.

My question is. Would you all mess with the ford or would you bolt in the 4.3 that all ready has more power stock then the ford as far as I can tell with around 200 hp carbed. I can add a new carb intake and maybe a cam to the 4.3 as well.

I don’t know what the torque specs are on ether engine but I know that has a lot to play in it all

My worry is that the 4.3 might not have enough in it as the boat is 3ft longer 2ft wider much deeper and a lot heavier then the boat it came out of.


Thanks in advance for all your help

 

[dubs283]

Would run the ford as long as it's good. Wonderful engine that runs smoother than any gm ime

Once the 302 dies, which won't be soon, then you can talk swap

 

[Scott Danforth]

I would run the ford until it's dead, then sell the V6 and Ford parts and get a 5.7

 

[slim6969]

Would run the ford as long as it's good. Wonderful engine that runs smoother than any gm ime

Once the 302 dies, which won't be soon, then you can talk swap

And what about the power adders would you put them on or run the way it is ?

 

[slim6969]

I would run the ford until it's dead, then sell the V6 and Ford parts and get a 5.7

And what about the power adders would you put them on or run the way it is ?

 

[Scott Danforth]

And what about the power adders would you put them on or run the way it is ?

That is up to you.

Best power adder is to run the motor as is, enjoy the boat and then build a 383 and go that route

I wouldn't waste spending $2500 on a cam, heads, intake, and carb for the ford motor to get 240hp when you can spend $3500 on a 383 and get 330-350hp

 

[jimmbo]

That is up to you.

I wouldn't waste spending $2500 on a cam, heads, intake, and carb for the ford motor to get 240hp when you can spend $3500 on a 383 and get 330-350hp

And a hell of a lot more Torque, than a 4.3 could ever make

 

[kenny nunez]

With the correct marine 4 barrel carburetor and dual plane manifold the 302 will produce around 225 hp.
What size boat is the engine in?

 

[slim6969]

With the correct marine 4 barrel carburetor and dual plane manifold the 302 will produce around 225 hp.
What size boat is the engine in?

Thanks for the reply.

The boat is 21ft long And that’s kinda what I was thinking I don’t want to go to crazy but a 4 barrel carb and intake manifold and maybe an electric fuel pump.

I’d also kinda like to get rid of the points as well but I’m having trouble finding the proper conversation kits

 

[dubs283]

And what about the power adders would you put them on or run the way it is ?

I wouldn't bother. The ford is a solid engine and under proper care will last a long time. Ime ford engines are more suitable to extreme conditions than gm, ymmv

GM based marine motors are ubiquitous, plenty of options/parts available new and used, ford is becoming rare for marine power, probably rare from the onset. Run your ford til it dies, and as others have said get a GM based motor and tune it to your standards

 

[Scott Danforth]

and maybe an electric fuel pump.

I’d also kinda like to get rid of the points as well but I’m having trouble finding the proper conversation kits

Why?

Mechanical pump is superior to electric pump and half the cost

A set of points will last you decades with a bit of maintenance. The pertronix conversions have had issues

 

[kenny nunez]

There were 4 distributors that came in the Ford engines.
Mallory, Prestolite, Ford, and Mercruiser which is actually a Holley.
Whichever one you have if the dwell stays steady then the points system should give good service.
Just be sure to get the ignition parts from either Mercruiser or NAPA. Blue Streak is another reliable brand.

 

[dubs283]

And low full advance numbers too. Like 26 max for 302/351