at that time the OMC model numbers would be like this:
434APRGDP (mine)
this translates as
4.3 engine
4= 4bbl carb
A= first run of this model
P= power steering
R= right hand rotation (standard) as you face the front of the engine
GDP= 1988 production
your model # is probably on that port side valve cover....take a look....silver colored sticker.
the cam and lifters should be a GM roller cam and lifters. That's what mine had, and when I replaced the heads 2 years ago they were all in good shape. Minimal to no wear.
You have the OMC bat wing one piece manifolds, if the engine was locked up these could have failed, either rotted through or cracked, figure on replacing these and upgrading to the later 2 piece style exhaust like I did when I did the top end overhaul. It can be done with Barr aftermarket manifolds and elbows, and Volvo Penta 90* exhaust pipes & hoses. It all fits like factory and no leaks. I had the batwings on mine too, but I never kept a set on more than 6 years because were are in salt water and never had a leak from them. The pic below with the red Volvo 4.3 shows what that exhaust system looks like from the rear, the next is my installation...those Volvo parts are expensive but you can find good freshwater used ones if you look on ebay, or GLM makes a knock off of it, I used the Volvo OEM because I'm in salt water and wanted no fitment issues or leaks.
Yep you have to get rid of that auto distributor, you can either try to find a Prestolite points distributor, I have found a couple on ebay for spares, or convert to the Delco EST, if you do that you might have to change the ESA module to one that works with electronic ignition. I bet it was changed because by then they might have used the Prestolite BID system (electronic) for which you can't get modules, although you could have converted it to a Petronix. Mine has the standard points and condenser set up.
