Engine Swap

[dolt]

I have a 1983 3.8L 229ci OMC Sterndrive (800 Stringer)
The block is cracked, so i have removed the engine. i am now finding it impossible to locate a 3.8L Can i replace with a 4.3L, will it fit the bell housing on sterndrive.
The 4.3L chevy pickup engine seems to be in abundance around here. If not what else should i look for????
Thanks guys any help much appreciated.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Engine Swap

you need a 229.

229's aren't rare relatively speaking

a 4.3 swap is possible if you want to buy new exhaust manifolds (Osco brand only will work with your trim system on a 4.3) and ignition, but you are looking for a pretty rare 4.3 with a 2pc. rear main seal... I think that was 1985 only...
any newer will have a 1 pc rear main seal - not 800 compatible

basically the same info I posted in your same question in Aug of last year

Where are you looking for a 229? they're a dime a dozen around my area.

 

[dolt]

Re: Engine Swap

Hey Howard sorry to take so long to get back. Had personal stuff to take care of.
I am in Barrie Ontario Canada. We do have a few wreckers around but they dont have any 229's nor do they have that one of a kind 4.3L

There is a big Auto Flea market happening here in June and lots of Guys come up from States with just about anything you can think of

So from what you have said about my 229 block... if i was to take off fly wheel and take to Flea Market and as long as it bolts up to crank on an older chevy motor i would be good to go???

 

[Bondo]

Re: Engine Swap

So from what you have said about my 229 block... if i was to take off fly wheel and take to Flea Market and as long as it bolts up to crank on an older chevy motor i would be good to go???

Ayuh,... No reason to carry around a 40lb. Flywheel all day...
You need a Chevy, V6, with the 3, 1/4" crankshaft bolt pattern...
The more common 3" pattern Won't work...

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Engine Swap

So from what you have said about my 229 block... if i was to take off fly wheel and take to Flea Market and as long as it bolts up to crank on an older chevy motor i would be good to go???

I tried to say exactly the opposite.

If you want to re-use ANY part of the engine you have - e.g. ignition, exhaust manifolds
you need a 229 - period.


If you want anything else, you need a complete drop in marine engine - complete, with exhaust, ignition... i.e. buy a different boat, or a donor boat with a blown up outdrive

I had new 229 short blocks advertised all over kijiji throughout central ON for almost a solid 2 years. How you didn't see them I dunno.

 

[dolt]

Re: Engine Swap

Howard i cant afford a new one at this time... just looking for used.
Thanks Bond-o, I just want to be sure if someone says they have 229, that the fly wheel fits, besides i have a son who will be pulling a wagon... he is looking for car stuff.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Engine Swap

your flywheel will fit every Inline 6, some inline 4's, and every 90 degree V6 and V8 engine made by Chevrolet from the mid 1960's to the mid 1980's

 

[dolt]

Re: Engine Swap

Will i not be ok if it is a V6 from early to mid 80s??

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Engine Swap

Will i not be ok if it is a V6 from early to mid 80s??

not if it's 4.3 'cause you don't have the budget for a marine ignition system and manifolds (approx $2000)
and not if it's a 200 either, because the 3.3/200 is missing a critical mounting boss in the block for your OMC belt tensioner.
plus, I doubt your boat would ever get on plane with the 200... you might paddle it faster

Will i not be ok if it is a V6 from early to mid 80s??

if that was the criteria, what are you carrying the flywheel around for?
"Negotiating"?

Maybe you want to start at the top of this thread and review the key points. I'm trying to be helpful and save you wasting time and money.
You need a 229. Or a complete marine engine. MARINE. not barrie flea market 4.3 - that will leave you about $2000 away from a boat ride.

 

[achris]

Re: Engine Swap

Why not just drive down to the US and buy a really cheap car with a 229 in it. Then take it home, pull the engine and strip it down to the block and rebuild it with the good parts up still have from the cracked block engine?

Then buy a cheap 4.3 and put it in the car and resell it... You could even make money on the deals.

Or have I missed something?

Chris........

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Engine Swap

http://london.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-classic-cars-1983-Chevrolet-Monte-Carlo-W0QQAdIdZ198568347

Drop a 350/400 in the car and have a nice tow vehicle

 

[achris]

Re: Engine Swap

http://london.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-classic-cars-1983-Chevrolet-Monte-Carlo-W0QQAdIdZ198568347

Drop a 350/400 in the car and have a nice tow vehicle

I was thinking of something a little close to him than LONDON!! And he'd need his boat working BEFORE that trip.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Engine Swap

Ontario is full of un-original city names.

Not unlike Peterborough, where all the OMC stuff used to be made.

 

[achris]

Re: Engine Swap

Ontario is full of un-original city names.

Not unlike Peterborough, where all the OMC stuff used to be made.

Just yanking ya chain...