The boat originally had a pair of 228's in it. I am going to try build a couple of small blocks. Someone mentioned building a new engine from a long block??
The boat originally had a pair of 228's in it. I am going to try build a couple of small blocks. Someone mentioned building a new engine from a long block??
I have to admit I am a gear head from way back but I have never heard of 228's. I wonder since you mention they were twins and thats not alot of boat to have twin V-8's could they have been one of those odd ball mercruiser half a V-8 engines. I know there was a half a 460 engine Merc used in the seveties and eighties. That may explain the lack of upright space.
298 and 302 were both Ford engine displacements. I have never heard of a 289 mercruiser stock but there is no reason why it couldn't have. It is the same basic block as the 302. and they diod use 302's for a bit. Although it was much more common to see ford engines used with early volvo penta or OMC drives. Regardless either engine is a traditional V-8 and I would be very surprised if a small block chevy would not fit in their place. You may have to play around with low rise manifolds and air cleaners but it should be do-able.
I am fairly new here, but thought I would throw in on this one. My '84 F-18 came with the 898 (305 2 barrel) when I repowered I went with the 228 which is the same thing engine with a 4 barrel.