Can I swap a 233 for a 188?

[blittle913]

From what I have read the 188 will bolt up no problem. I have also read that the gear ratios are the same for both motors. My only concern is the loss of 35hp. Will I notice any big differences? The reason I am planning this swap is that I have found multiple 302s reasonably priced and the 351 are hard to find and really expensive when I can find them. Thanks for the help!

 

[Don S]

Re: Can I swap a 233 for a 188?

My only concern is the loss of 35hp. Will I notice any big differences?

You are going to notice a huge difference. Depending on the boat, it may take a long time to get it to plane.

 

[blittle913]

Re: Can I swap a 233 for a 188?

Oops, forgot to mention, 1976 searay 240.

 

[Don S]

Re: Can I swap a 233 for a 188?

Old 24 ft boat (heavy) is going to be a dog to get on plane. If it does. The 302 has basically the same HP and torque and a carbed Chevy V6 engine.

 

[blittle913]

Re: Can I swap a 233 for a 188?

Thanks for reply, may have to reconsider the swap and continue searching for a 351.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Can I swap a 233 for a 188?

Oops, forgot to mention, 1976 searay 240.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... 1 option to consider,....

Find a Runnin' boat with a Rotten hull, with a more current Chevy/ Alpha driveline,...
Junk the hull, 'n stuff the driveline into Yer hull....

The Fords haven't been well supported since Merc quit usin' 'em in the late '70s....

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Can I swap a 233 for a 188?

The 233 and the 188 were different gear ratios, but the 351w will run fine with the 188 drive, but not vice versa.

 

[blittle913]

Re: Can I swap a 233 for a 188?

Ive decided to stick it out and look for another 351. I found one reasonably priced Ill be looking at this week. This engine comes with a complete powersteering setup, I am going to start another thread on that topic. Thanks for your help!

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Can I swap a 233 for a 188?

The 351w aren't much harder to find/more expensive than a 302 in my experience. They are both available for $1200-1400 at most any re-manufactured marine engine retailer. I used Rapido Marine, but US engines, Jasper, etc all have it available. I wouldn't want less than the 351w in a 24' boat, as it's usually right on the borderline to big-block territory. The 1.32 gear ratio on the 351w is somewhat unique in that it was only used on the 351w and big-block engines, where the GM 305/350 and Ford 302 (888) used a 1.50 gear ratio drive. Not sure why Mercruiser went this direction with the 351w instead of using the same drive as they did for the 350, but whatever.