Repower options for a Mercruiser 188 w/ Alpha one

[mplug]

Hi,

I have a 22' boat with what I think is a Mercruiser 188/888 powerplant. Its based on a ford 302, from the late 70's. Currently the outdrive is a Alpha One leg on a MC-1 transom assembly. The complete drivetrain is in need of replacement, with the outdrive needing replacement sooner than the motor. I would like to (not right away) put either a 4.3l or 5.0l Mercruiser in it, with a new Alpha one outdrive.
Heres the question: Would it be possible (and/or advisable) to change the outdrive (including complete transom assembly) and keep the existing Merc/Ford 302? I am not sure if the driveshaft spline is the same on the old MC1/Alpha1 leg and the Alpha1 Gen2, or if there is anything else that would cause complications.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: Repower options for a Mercruiser 188 w/ Alpha one

Unless you really like your hull and believe it has no hidden problems I think you should shop for a different boat. Your looking at more money in parts than the boat will ever be worth unless it is really special.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Repower options for a Mercruiser 188 w/ Alpha one

or if there is anything else that would cause complications.

Ayuh,... The splines are the same, but there's Alota other complications, to the point it Can't be done...

 

[mplug]

Re: Repower options for a Mercruiser 188 w/ Alpha one

Thanks for the input guys. I really like the boat - and hull is in solid condition. I realize that (like any boat) I will never get what I put into it back out of it. Boats just plain old are not good investments I guess. I do appreciate the comment though, and will take a look at all my options before I dive in too deep.

Bond-o (or somone else), could you explain to me the other complications?

 

[hblair]

Re: Repower options for a Mercruiser 188 w/ Alpha one

Have you thought about sticking with the 302? You can get some good horsepower out of it, and you can still find all kinds of parts for the 888 configuration. If you're mechanical and have some time to work on it, it's not so bad. I showed up here two years ago and was told not to go with the 302. I did have some oddball problems in the building of the engine, (replace the water jacket plugs in the heads) Now I'm almost done with my boat, and the little 302 is pushing this big monster around at 35mph...
http://www.blairautobody.com/Heaths stuff/seaquest/100_0042.JPG

Ebay has all kinds of 888 stuff...
http://motors.shop.ebay.com/i.html?..._osacat=26443&bkBtn=&_trksid=p4506.m270.l1313

 

[mplug]

Re: Repower options for a Mercruiser 188 w/ Alpha one

My 302 is actually running really good, but being old (and if I decide to keep the boat and update it) it may need replacement AT SOME POINT. 95% of the problem is the leg. Boat was moored in saltwater without proper corrosion protection. It is corroded to the point where I need to use gasket sealer to get a waterproof seal where the bell housing and outdrive go together. Water has been in most parts of the outdrive, and I fear that if I replace only the outdrive, I will run into the same problems again. That is the history behind the question I originally posted. That is why I would like to know what the complications would be if I replaced the existing MC-1/Alpha One transom assembly and outrive with a new Alpha One Gen II (or just Alpha One) drive system, from the motor back. I mean no disrespect, and I know that Bondo-o has has 1000 times more experience with this than me, but I just don't take "can't be done" very seriously. I would really appreciate some more explanation on this subject.

 

[dubs283]

Re: Repower options for a Mercruiser 188 w/ Alpha one

I would really appreciate some more explanation on this subject.

when mercruiser re-designed the MC-I, they came out with the R, MR, and finally the Alpha One - unfortunately for you, they stopped using the ford engines at this time

so there is NO bellhousing/flywheel cover for your ford engine that will bolt up to an alpha transom plate, it just "can't be done"

what you can do is scour craigslist for a "donor" boat with the 188 ford engine and drive, either a rotten boat or one with a cracked engine but good drive/transom assy

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: Repower options for a Mercruiser 188 w/ Alpha one

Why not rip the alpha drive off that is bad, keep the 302 and existing MC1 transom assembly, and source a used MC1 drive with the proper 888 gear ratio. MC1 is not a "bad" drive and is for the most part fully servicable shoudl somthing internal break.

Although I would not go out looking for a boat with this package in it, the ford 302/351 is a sound engine. Very reliable.

 

[mplug]

Re: Repower options for a Mercruiser 188 w/ Alpha one

Thanks for the feedback guys, that makes more sense to me now. I was feeling a little in the dark.
So my best bet would be to get something like this: http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/bnc/boa/2380404777.html and use only the parts that I need to? I could just get a
new outdrive, but the bell housing is quite badly corroded, and I am worried that I could be wasting a new outdrive if water gets in from something else failing somewhere in the transom assembly.

 

[mplug]

Re: Repower options for a Mercruiser 188 w/ Alpha one

Am I correct in understanding that it is not possible to buy a new transom assembly that will work with the Ford 302 I have?

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: Repower options for a Mercruiser 188 w/ Alpha one

Am I correct in understanding that it is not possible to buy a new transom assembly that will work with the Ford 302 I have?

No, you can buy a used transome housing (MC1) that will work with your 302, just not an alpha 1 housing.

 

[hblair]

Re: Repower options for a Mercruiser 188 w/ Alpha one

I've got some extra 888 hardware including, I know, a nice bellhousing. You're welcome to any of it you can use, if you'll just pay shipping. If you're interested, let me know what you need, and I'll see if I've got it.
I got lucky and found a rotten old sea ray bow rider with almost all the hardware I needed. I think I paid 300 bucks for the whole boat. The guys here mean well, but I'm like you, "can't be done" sounds like a pretty good challenge. When somebody said to forget about the 302, and go chevy, that just kind of spurred me along to do my own thing, for better or for worse...

 

[mplug]

Re: Repower options for a Mercruiser 188 w/ Alpha one

Thanks hblair,
I will be into this a little deeper in the next week and will be in touch with you re what parts I could use. I really appreciate the offer.
Mike

 

[RedlineGT]

Re: Repower options for a Mercruiser 188 w/ Alpha one

I've got some extra 888 hardware including, I know, a nice bellhousing. You're welcome to any of it you can use, if you'll just pay shipping. If you're interested, let me know what you need, and I'll see if I've got it.
I got lucky and found a rotten old sea ray bow rider with almost all the hardware I needed. I think I paid 300 bucks for the whole boat. The guys here mean well, but I'm like you, "can't be done" sounds like a pretty good challenge. When somebody said to forget about the 302, and go chevy, that just kind of spurred me along to do my own thing, for better or for worse...

I agree! I'm a Ford guy all the way around, heres my question though.. Could i use an engine out of a 90's Mustang in my boat? It has an old 78 Ford 302/ Merc Alpha One in it now? Its still a Ford302 it would just be alot newer, and stronger? Would it still bolt up to my boats outdrive?

 

[Don S]

Re: Repower options for a Mercruiser 188 w/ Alpha one

You need to start a new thread of your own with your question, few will see your question stuck on the end of a an old thread that belongs to someone else.