1984 GM 3.8 stringer drive two trim system HELP HELP HELP

[robert301972robert]

I have a 1984 GM 3.8 it has a stringer drive it has outdrive tilt with the half gear. and it has the tilt hdrolices on the motor. so it is a stringer drive not a cobra. my question is. the motor is blown up in this thing. what other years can i use to replace it. I have heard that i can use a automobile motor but i have to change the valve train and the cam. If the is true what. what year gm 3.8 can i use. and what other kinds of motor can i put in the thing. can i put a 4 cly in it or can i put a diffrent motor all togather as long as it is a v6. I do not have room in the engine compartment for a v8 at least i dont think i do.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: 1984 GM 3.8 stringer drive two trim system HELP HELP HELP

Chevrolet 229 V6 was used from 1981 to 1984 in Malibu, Monte Carlo, and ElCamino. Look for 5th VIN number "K" to indicate 229 Chev V6 as some of those cars had the Buick based 231 in them.
No need to change "valve train", just the camshaft, and then the core plugs in the block need to be replaced with brass and then replace head gaskets with composite type. Edelbrock EDL2112 camshaft is almost identical to the marine cam. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EDL-2112/

There aren't other V6 options really except a 1985 or 1986 4.3, but there will be a few headaches to do that swap - you would want a complete marine motor and you would need new manifolds in most cases.
Any Chev V6 made after 1987 is a no go for your application.

Are the exhaust manifolds toast too? Budget $1200 to $1500 for new manifolds if the boat is to be saved.
Evaluate the project fully before wasting any $ on it. Look for rotten floors, transom or waterlogged floatation foam.

 

[robert301972robert]

Re: 1984 GM 3.8 stringer drive two trim system HELP HELP HELP

Chevrolet 229 V6 was used from 1981 to 1984 in Malibu, Monte Carlo, and ElCamino. Look for 5th VIN number "K" to indicate 229 Chev V6 as some of those cars had the Buick based 231 in them.
No need to change "valve train", just the camshaft, and then the core plugs in the block need to be replaced with brass and then replace head gaskets with composite type. Edelbrock EDL2112 camshaft is almost identical to the marine cam. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EDL-2112/

There aren't other V6 options really except a 1985 or 1986 4.3, but there will be a few headaches to do that swap - you would want a complete marine motor and you would need new manifolds in most cases.
Any Chev V6 made after 1987 is a no go for your application.

Are the exhaust manifolds toast too? Budget $1200 to $1500 for new manifolds if the boat is to be saved.
Evaluate the project fully before wasting any $ on it. Look for rotten floors, transom or waterlogged floatation foam.

No the exhaust is in great shape. the intake needs a little cleaning but it could be used if needed.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: 1984 GM 3.8 stringer drive two trim system HELP HELP HELP

that's good as the omc exh. manifolds have been out of stock for a decade or so. there are a couple of places where you can buy a remanufactured engine.
this place shows one marine 229 in stock:
http://www.marinepowerservice.com/B...block_nbr/130/modNum//Doc_Part_nbr/ 43078.cfm
welcome to iboats, btw.