88 celebrity 190 engine swap

[alaughlin]

I just got 1988 celebrity 190 with a mercruiser 4.3 with a cracked block.My ? is can i swap a mercruiser 302 ford in it without any big problems.I have a friend with the 302 that has low hours on it and can buy it cheap.I got the boat for 1300 and its in great shape but would like more power.THANKS

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: 88 celebrity 190 engine swap

a 4.3 will smoke the 302. You should stay with the 4.3 or a 350. much younger stuff + no problems on the install. Much better trade in also.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: 88 celebrity 190 engine swap

I believe Mercury hasn't used Ford power since the 70's. To swap in the 302 you would need to start from the pulleys and work your way back to the drive. Accessories are different (and probably difficult to come by), motor mounts are different, exhaust manifolds are different and probably getting rare, flywheel cover is different, gear ratio in the outdrive is for a V6 not a V8. By the time you scouted out all the parts you need, some of which you could probably only get used, you could have found another 4.3L, or buy a reman from these guys;
http://www.rapidomarine.com/default.aspx?p=/engines/default.aspx

 

[alaughlin]

Re: 88 celebrity 190 engine swap

I was considering the 302 because that what i could get at a good price about 200 cheaper than a rebuilt 4.3 and thought it would have more power.And the 302 was complete with everything

 

[alaughlin]

Re: 88 celebrity 190 engine swap

Thats who i was going to get the long block 4.3 from but then found this 302 just thought it would be better.

 

[mkast]

Re: 88 celebrity 190 engine swap

a 4.3 will smoke the 302.

BS.

 

[alaughlin]

Re: 88 celebrity 190 engine swap

I will post pics of the boat soon.I am doing the interior this winter .

 

[Bondo]

Re: 88 celebrity 190 engine swap

I just got 1988 celebrity 190 with a mercruiser 4.3 with a cracked block.My ? is can i swap a mercruiser 302 ford in it without any big problems.I have a friend with the 302 that has low hours on it and can buy it cheap.I got the boat for 1300 and its in great shape but would like more power.THANKS

Nope,... The parts to make it Fit, I believe, Don't Exist....

 

[alaughlin]

Re: 88 celebrity 190 engine swap

OK,i just thought i would see if anyone has done it or if it could be done.This is my first boat and i am doing all the work myself and i have built alot of mustangs so that why i was in favor of the 302.Thanks for the reply

 

[Bondo]

Re: 88 celebrity 190 engine swap

OK,i just thought i would see if anyone has done it or if it could be done.This is my first boat and i am doing all the work myself and i have built alot of mustangs so that why i was in favor of the 302.Thanks for the reply

Ayuh,.... Without machine work,...
Puttin' a Ford in front of a Mercruiser newer than the 70s just don't work...

Sorry... Think Chevy....

 

[alaughlin]

Re: 88 celebrity 190 engine swap

Thats like building a honda for me LOL.Allways done ford but i think i can handle it.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 88 celebrity 190 engine swap

Thats like building a honda for me LOL.Allways done ford but i think i can handle it.

Ayuh,... Gota Machine Shop, or capabilities to carve some aluminum,..??

Might take some weldin' too...

The Big issue is the rear motor mount spacing of the Ford flywheel covers...

 

[dubs283]

Re: 88 celebrity 190 engine swap

Allways done ford but i think i can handle it.

i too have always been a ford guy, i just like em - i believe they make a better vehicle than other american makes, i have spent FAR less time working on my fords than i have other makes

that being said, when it comes to boats, i prefer to work on chevy based engines - they are just easier to work on, not to mention the greater amount of chevy based engines out there in the marine industry as compared to ford/chrysler

 

[alaughlin]

Re: 88 celebrity 190 engine swap

Lets say i did go with a 350 would my out drive handle it and just put a different prop to make up for gearing.and what all would i have to change to make it fit.

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: 88 celebrity 190 engine swap

If you have the correct 4.3 drive the ratio will not be perfect but you will be ok with a bigger pitch prop. The drive will handle it. The "right" 350 will bolt up. You will have a few changes like moving the motor mounts etc. nothing big. You need to start with a complete marine engine. Not a truck long block. The parts would kill you. do a search on this site for all the details.

 

[alaughlin]

Re: 88 celebrity 190 engine swap

I think i will just go with a 4.3 long block.