Have an 89 Trophy off Shore with a bad 351W and I have a chance to grab a 302 at a great deal. what do I need to look out for doing this swap? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Not sure on your setup, but I can tell you the difference between the 351w and 302 is the deck height of the block and intake width.

i only know this because im a mustang guy.
1. oil pan
2. oil pump shaft and pick up.
3. flywheel and damper because of different imbalances from the factory.
4. distributor because of deck height and the manifold having to sit up higher.
5. intake. needs to be wider because of the deck height.
6. exhaust will physically bolt up but will be in a different location because of the deck height..
7. your front accessory brackets wont work if they bolt to the head and the water pump. if they only bolt to the head then you are ok. you will just need a longer bolt.

thats all i can think of off the top of my head. try google searching for "302 to 351 swap mustang".

you are far better looking for a 351 for that boat

striper, been looking for a couple months now. Seems anyone that has a 351 worth the effort wants a whole bunch of money for it. Last resort if a 302 does not work out is trying local salvage yard for a rebuild-able truck engine.

is the block cracked

this is in my back yard
maybe http://kansascity.craigslist.org/pts/5109583801.html

you should be able to find old merc 188's CHEAP

Not sure have not gotten heads off yet but from the looks of the seam at the block and head there is at least a blown head gasket and lots of rust pitting on block surface. Going to try to pull top end off this weekend and see what all I have to work with.

That's pretty much the conversation, old 302's are very very low end power/tourque engine's.

late model e4te ( i think thats the casting number} are roller blocks from the factory. they are weaker than the old blocks of the late 60s early 70s but will still 800hp no problem. they all just have junk heads from the factory for hp.