1988 SeaRay 230 engine replacement

jrsammysanchez

New Member
Sep 1, 2016
12
New York
Boat Info
Searay 230
Engines
5.7l mericruiser
Hey everyone, this is my first time posting but bare with me. I'll try and give a quick rundown of what happened. I was given this boat by a family friend as a gift and am extremely ecstatic about it. This is my first boat. I do realize that it takes a lot of work to maintain and own a boat but I'm willing to put in the work. The boat needs a new engine. Will the below one drop straight in?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/182255593794

Thank you in advance, sorry if this seems like a novice question as it is because I am a novice.

Thank you so much.
 
Yes, and no. You will need to transfer a lot of components from the old engine, to this one. This one states no mechanical fuel pump provision, which means you will probably have to make electrical provisions to make this one work. What happened to the old engine?
 
Along with the fuel pump issue your 28 year old intake manifold probably looks corroded around the mating surface to the water jackets.

The cylinder heads are gen 1 sbc, are old technology and low on power. You could do better by looking for a vortec 5.7 and get yourself a fresh manifold. The chevy blocks are very similar. Differences would be the 1 pc. rear main seal and a roller cam, both of which you want. Any of those motor builders could put a pkg. together for you. If you have a mechanical fuel pump and want to use it to save money, mention that to them as well
 
Thank you so much for your responses. The motor originally had an overheating issue so my friend started ripping the engine apart to replace the head gaskets and then let it sit and never put it back together. I'd rather just start fresh then to pickup on the mess he made. As for the fuel pump, is this something I can purchase that will be a bolt on fit? Or is it something i would have to DIY? Again, sorry if any of these questions seem stupid. I am a novice.
 
It will be easier and cheaper to go with whatever style you have now. If you go electric, NAPA sells marine rated carb pumps for under a $100. You'll have to do a bit of wiring.
 
Like said in post #3.

Do you want some extra horsepower ? Then go the vortec route
Is your intake manifold in good condition and you don't care about power ? Then that last link will work. You do want he roller cam option
 
So if I was to go the vortec route the only additionally parts I would need are the main rear seal and a roller cam? Can you provide any links with examples of a vortec motor that'll work?
 
Make sure you understand what parts need to transfer over from the old engine and that they are in good enough condition to use. A short block (that's what this is) looks good initially and often is the way to go, but if you end up having to buy a bunch of new parts (manifolds, intake, carburetor, fuel pump, alternator...), you can get nickle and dimed to the point you might be better off buy a turn key engine. Just understand what you are getting into, the short block is a long way from a drop in new engine.
 
Yes I understand that. I didn't realize the link I provided was a short block so thank you on that. I'm leaning towards the one in my second link which is this one http://www.michiganmotorz.com/marin...Bnbr-F8DDDMGYt9U3PHwp-ATg9fmgIifdoaAtkQ8P8HAQ

On a side note, I know the title of this thread is for the engine, but can any of you point me in the direction of where I can get a replacement bench seat for this boat?

Again, thank you everyone for all of your input and help.
 
Your right, the Michigan Motorz pic with the valve covers off threw me. Still the point is there is a lot to switch over and all of the old parts might not be able to be moved. Just be aware.


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This how I would handle it if I was you... doesn't sound like your the guy that's going to put this back together. Yes or no , get the installer over there to see what condition the bolt ons are in. Then tell Michigan Motors exactly the pkg your looking for. They will do it all or as little as you want.
 
By drop straight in I really mean an engine that'll work without any modifications. I am completely okay with having to take parts off the old engine and slapping them onto the new one. I am leaning towards this engine 5.7L (350 ci) Marine Engine (1987-95)- the one that has a link to Michigan motors. The additional parts I will be ordering (as of right now) is the roller cam and roller lifter kit that are an optional purchase with that engine, and a 4 barrel carb. I will have to take a look at the intakes when I get home today to see the type of condition they're in. Everything else I believe I can swap right over. Am I correct in thinking this?
 
I might end up doing something like that. I'm just trying to do as much research as I can beforehand. Thank you for your input.
 
Upgrading to the Vortec will definitely not disappoint you if you decide to go that route. They use a the larger 14" flywheel. Do not overlook that. You will need a different starter and may need to replace the flywheel housing, transom plate and drive coupler as well as the intake manifold.
 
There is a lot more to a boat engine than the short block. I would verify all other components are useful before purchasing anything. Check you manifolds(exhaust I will go new regardless), gimbal housing, outdrive, carburetor, ignition, all hoses, starter, alternator, etc.

It is safe to assume that all electrical components if they have not been used for some time have already failed or will fail after a few uses.

Reason I mention all these engine components, is it may be more cost effective and better overall, to try and purchase a modern used complete setup, this will give you everything you need, additional HP and reliability. This while it can be a DIY project it may be better to let a shop do it, trust me you will have plenty of other projects to keep you busy for a while.

I had this exact boat back in the 90's great boat but there is a lot of wood on her, check the stringer and transom condition before you put a lot of money into her, also I notice the trim tabs are not there, you will need them, it is a tall boat and it has a tendency of leaning over a lot.
 

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