AussieFormula233
New member
Hello everyone, I've got an oversize plywood version of a Formula 233, approx 3 metre beam and perhaps 26 foot in length. She was built in the 70's/80's and has been fitted with an AQ210, which is the only sterndrive Volvo made with the engine orientation reversed. The flywheel end faces forward, and drives the accessories/pumps off a pulley, and the timing cover end faces backwards, exhaust manifolds are also unique. The engine is a 307 GM and has been rebuilt but never started. The drive is a 270 which I have not seen yet, transom adapter is fitted to hull and in good condition. I have found a place that can source engine circ pump/raw water pump rebuild kits for a reasonable price.
To successfully re-fit this sterndrive, at the minimum I will need to retrofit a set of GM exhaust manifolds, custom cooling hoses, perhaps rebuild pumps, a few seals and repair/replace the 270 leg. I estimate somewhere around $1000-$2000 for all the parts necessary.
I can also source a late model (late 90's) 5.7 GM carburettor mercruiser and Alpha one gen two sterndrive complete and running with warranty for $5000. I've been told there is an adapter plate available also to bolt an Alpha one drive directly to the transom where the cutout is for the Volvo 270 drive.
My question is - would you guys recommend keeping the AQ210 with 270 drive and fixing it up? Or fitting a late model mercruiser? I wouldn't want to be buying a newer sterndrive package, and I don't want any electronics or fuel injection. I have no experience with the 270 drive, as my other boat (a 23 foot caribbean crusader hardtop) has a mercruiser 888 sterndrive. I can post pictures of the AQ210 if anyone is curious.
Also, with the 270 transom adapter fitted, can I fit a 280 leg? Or will a 280 leg and transom adapter fit in the same transom cutout?
Thanks,
Chris
To successfully re-fit this sterndrive, at the minimum I will need to retrofit a set of GM exhaust manifolds, custom cooling hoses, perhaps rebuild pumps, a few seals and repair/replace the 270 leg. I estimate somewhere around $1000-$2000 for all the parts necessary.
I can also source a late model (late 90's) 5.7 GM carburettor mercruiser and Alpha one gen two sterndrive complete and running with warranty for $5000. I've been told there is an adapter plate available also to bolt an Alpha one drive directly to the transom where the cutout is for the Volvo 270 drive.
My question is - would you guys recommend keeping the AQ210 with 270 drive and fixing it up? Or fitting a late model mercruiser? I wouldn't want to be buying a newer sterndrive package, and I don't want any electronics or fuel injection. I have no experience with the 270 drive, as my other boat (a 23 foot caribbean crusader hardtop) has a mercruiser 888 sterndrive. I can post pictures of the AQ210 if anyone is curious.
Also, with the 270 transom adapter fitted, can I fit a 280 leg? Or will a 280 leg and transom adapter fit in the same transom cutout?
Thanks,
Chris
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