82 Formula 233

[74Formula233]

Just looked up the motor specs in my '73 Mercruiser Manual.

There were 3-302 versions used....one 188 HP, one 215 HP, and my 225HP.

Everything internally is the same except a few things. My motor has a higher lift cam (makes perfect sense), slightly different Piston Ring Gap, and different Valve Seat Width. Other than that, everything is the same. Oh yeh, the other 2 were 2-BBLs mine is a 4-BBL (was a 450CFM Holley from factory, is now a 600 CFM Holley from "ME", LOL). Here's the differences....

Piston Ring Gap .015-.069 (188 & 215HP) .015-.055 (mine)

Cam Lobe Lift
Intake .260 (188 & 215HP) .278 (mine)
Exhaust .278 (188 & 215HP) .283 (mine)

Valve Seat Width .0625-.0781 (188 & 215HP) .060 (mine)

[rwtrower]

74 Form....

Sounds like you might want to get a valve job that will take advantage of the higher airflow capacity of the 600 Holley. Port, polish and you'll be good for another 20 years. (Unlike my brother-in-law's Maverick)

I bet the 351 heads were specific to the 225 hp version also.

I fixin' to go get the money for the 82Formula233 Sportsman. If the motor checks out, I'll have her in the water by Friday.

rt

[Bluefin22']

Ohh man looks like we are gonna have another f233 owner in the area. Guess we are gonna have to deal with it. Well good luck with your purchase hope to see ya down in RI.

Steve

[74Formula233]

Ohh man looks like we are gonna have another f233 owner in the area. Guess we are gonna have to deal with it. Well good luck with your purchase hope to see ya down in RI.

Steve

Yeh, so far, me, my brother, another friend of mine, LOL....

They speak for themselves LOL

rw, I just confirmed with the engine builder that these are, in fact 351W heads with the bigger valves. He said Mercruiser did it on my motor (just like Ford did on many cars), along with a cam and 4-BBL to get more HP

[rwtrower]

Thanks for the welcome, Bluefin.

I am getting excited about this boat and being able to fish/cruise this summer. If, in fact, it ever arrives. I am going to Arkansas this weekend where my bass boat resides and where it is in the 80's already to break the F233 news to the best, most understanding wife in the world.

Wish me luck.

rt

[rwtrower]

Well, it looks more and more likely that by this time tomorrow I'll be the proud owner of a 82 Formula 233 Sportsman.

I was wondering what the potential range would be of a set up like this.

200 hp Johnson outboard and 100 gal tank. Not that I am going very far, but I was curious.

This will have to do until I get some pictures.

http://www.formulaboats.com/document...20Brochure.pdf

Thanks again for all the input during my time of buyer's duress,

rt

[74Formula233]

Where is this boat now...in RI...Mass? Just curious...

You should get very good range on her, assuming the engine runs well, and you keep the throttle back

Don't expect a TON of speed out of her with a 200.....that's a "light" horsepower for a heavy boat like these. Mine's a 225HP...granted it's an I/O, etc.....but she's no speed demon.

With my burnt valve issues (basically a dead cylinder), I have been getting 37 MPH tops out of her, and a cruise of about 22 to 25 MPH. (I'm sure she'll be more "awake" once I get her back together.)

But I do get very good range....have been offshore 60-65 miles, trolled around a few hours for tuna at 7 kts, ran back in, etc, and used less than or around a half a tank. I also have a 100 Gallon center tank.

[rwtrower]

Thanks for the info, 74Form. I'm feeling good already. I'm old, I don't require the speed I used to. Steady and reliable will be what I need out of this rig.

The boat's in Bristol this morning getting the motor checked out. It was advertised by a dealer in Mass for $8999, the guy I'm getting it from had it here in RI with a sign for $7400. I offered $5000; we settled on $5500 if the motor checks out good.

I should know by this afternoon and the deal will be done.

My wife saw that the bank account was abnormal and asked me last night over the phone (she's in Arkansas) if there was "something" I needed to tell her. Oh, well I guess I'll be buying a new washer and dryer this weekend too.

Cost of doing business.

Thanks again,

rt

[74Formula233]

I'm fairly young and don't need the speed either LOL, I look for a comfortable ride, economical, reliable.....

Do the political thing, buy her some stuff too!

[74Formula233]

I should know by this afternoon and the deal will be done.

So.........what's the deal?