72StarcraftChieftain
Cadet
- Joined
- Jul 3, 2009
- Messages
- 10
I have been researching repower options for my 1972 Starcraft for a while now. MY current plan is to buy a complete new 3.0L mercruiser bobtail engine for my boat and adapt it to the original stern drive setup utilizing a new sterndrive from SEI. I'd like to go this route as it would net me new risers, manifolds, carb, a new alternator versus generator etc... and also keep my steering and hydraulics unmodified. Plus as a added bonus I would beable to use the original stern drive as a emergency spare. Through my research I have found out that up through 1991, the 3.0L engine was produced with a two-piece rear main seal and a 12-3/4" flywheel. Then in 1992, the engine was produced with a single piece rear main seal. Finally in the 2000, GM upgraded to a 14" flywheel which is how the engines are currently being produced. I understand that the new style engines can be retrofit into these older boats using the 92-2000 flywheel. My questions are
1. If you purchase a complete new 3.0L bobtail engine setup with a 14" flywheel, can the starter from the new engine be used with the 12 3/4" 1 piece main seal flywheel? Or would you have to re-use/rebuild/buy new a original starter?
2. When you use the new 12 3/4" 1 piece main seal flywheel can you use original coupler? or can a new off the shelf coupler be used? Or is a special adpative coupler or machined coupler required?
If I'm forgetiing anything plese let me know. I understand I need a wire harness adapter and I'm sure there are a few other minor things like moving fuel lines and such. Am I missing any other major points. I talked to a few places that sell retro fit engine kits but they had no info on the starter issue.
Plus they were only selling long blocks. And Mercruiser just flat out told me that company policy is that they don't recommend putting new engines on old drive so they offered no additional info. Any thoughts, info or advice would be greatly appreciated.
1. If you purchase a complete new 3.0L bobtail engine setup with a 14" flywheel, can the starter from the new engine be used with the 12 3/4" 1 piece main seal flywheel? Or would you have to re-use/rebuild/buy new a original starter?
2. When you use the new 12 3/4" 1 piece main seal flywheel can you use original coupler? or can a new off the shelf coupler be used? Or is a special adpative coupler or machined coupler required?
If I'm forgetiing anything plese let me know. I understand I need a wire harness adapter and I'm sure there are a few other minor things like moving fuel lines and such. Am I missing any other major points. I talked to a few places that sell retro fit engine kits but they had no info on the starter issue.
Plus they were only selling long blocks. And Mercruiser just flat out told me that company policy is that they don't recommend putting new engines on old drive so they offered no additional info. Any thoughts, info or advice would be greatly appreciated.
