Replacing my outdrive but can't determine the right one!

[orttauq]

1976 Mercruiser with Ford 351W: Outdrive that was on the boat has 888 decals on it (888 (2 BBL.) FORD 302 V-8 1971-1977) but the '76 351 is a 233 (233 FORD 351 V-8 1975-1977). The serial number is 4228535 so it overlaps both with the 'and up' in the parts finders.
The 888 is a 1.50 ratio but the 233 uses a 1.97. The boat is 45+ years old so I am sure things have been switched about and my outdrive case is in pretty bad shape. I think it was used to do some trenching at one point.
What should I be looking for? SEI has the 106 and the 104 (short yoke), I can't justify the $3900+ for a Quicksilver unit.

Thanks

 

[Bt Doctur]

Basically, for anything under 140 hp 1.98-1
for 160 - 200 hp 1.65 or 1.84
for 260 hp 1.50

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... The 888 was in fact a 1.50:1,.....
The 351 originally used a 1.32:1, which hasn't been available for many, many years,....
The Sei, in 1.50:1 is yer best choice,.... a new copy of what you have now,....

The 1.98:1 was used Only for the GM 4 cylinder motors,....

 

[Scott Danforth]

Either a new SEI or a used 888

 

[Bondo]

Either a new SEI or a used 888

Ayuh,..... Or a used 1st gen. Alpha 1, in 1.50:1,....

 

[orttauq]

Either a new SEI or a used 888

already have a used 888
Looking for the correct ratio. Now I can't find where I found the 1.97 info but glad I asked here. Is the 1.50 one and half engine rotations to one prop? or the other way?
I am considering the SEI but I had one implode on my other boat while in the middle of the lake so a little shy of them. But to be fair I did not know the history of it as I had just bought that boat. Maybe poor service and IF I paid to ship it back SEI would review it for warranty. I opted to ebay it and buy a new Mercruiser.

 

[orttauq]

Wow Over $2k difference!!!

 

[Scott Danforth]

the SEI unit is made in china
the Mercruiser unit is also made in one of many off-shore locations (China, Poland, Mexico, etc.)

however mercruiser simply charges more

 

[orttauq]

the SEI unit is made in china
the Mercruiser unit is also made in one of many off-shore locations (China, Poland, Mexico, etc.)

however mercruiser simply charges more

True. I have been reading up on SEi and have only found one article that says to fully stay away from them. Rest point out the pros and cons of new, locally rebuilding your existing drive and the factory refurbished ones. I have a 106 1.47 in the cart

 

[QBhoy]

Scrap the sei idea. Been a load of these failed here last few years. Get yourself a decent 2000’s onward 1.47 genuine alpha generation 2

 

[orttauq]

I thought the Gen 2s do not swap with Gen1 Alphas/MR1s...
I found a NOS Mercruiser Alpha1 Gen2 but did not consider it as I read they are not interchangeable.

 

[QBhoy]

I thought the Gen 2s do not swap with Gen1 Alphas/MR1s...
I found a NOS Mercruiser Alpha1 Gen2 but did not consider it as I read they are not interchangeable.

Oh are you keeping the transom shield and all that from the older unit then ?

 

[orttauq]

Oh are you keeping the transom shield and all that from the older unit then ?

Yes, all the other parts are fine and have been refurbished as needed.

 

[matt167]

Can’t keep a Ford with a Gen 2. I’d grab a used gen 1 1.50 drive. SEI is good but I wouldn’t put that much into it in case something happened to it. Not sure why this went bold but I’m on my phone and it is what it is.

 

[orttauq]

Well with a SEI it is bolt right on so other than it failing big while on the water if it goes south on me I can warranty it.

 

[matt167]

Well with a SEI it is bolt right on so other than it failing big while on the water if it goes south on me I can warranty it.

Yes they are identical to mercruiser in bolt up and function. But if you are going to spend some dollars, going to a GM setup with an alpha gen 2 would probably be better since parts are more available

 

[orttauq]

Well with a SEI it is bolt right on so other than it failing big while on the water if it goes south on me I can warranty it.
I am trying to find a good local shop for rebuild work; the 888s are cheap; around $400
My 351 is solid as is most everything else (parts were either good or I have replaced them already)
The whole lower 'fin' part of mine is bad/gone and it has holes drilled in it for one of those whale tail things. I don't know about the internals since the gimbal bearing was so bad it was louder then the motor almost. Guess I could put it back on and see this spring....