1999 5.0 Mercruiser with cracked block

[sub2010ss]

Good evening all!
So I started a post in the general section as I am hunting for my first boat. The problem is, I found the boat I want, except that during the inspection I found the block cracked from some bad or no winterization. Everything else was solid and clean and working great.

My question is, if I get this thing for a tremendous deal, should I attempt to take on a long block swap? My background is from an automotive family, rebuilt and installed engines all through high school before joining the Navy to be a Nuclear Machinist Mate, i.e. Mechanic. I have tools, I have a garage, but I don't have a cherry picker or an engine stand.

Also, I couldn't see any crack on a quick visual inspection of the manifolds, but are there any other hidden concerns I should be thinking about with freeze damage?

Thanks for your time and any advice.

 

[Scott Danforth]

if you understand righty tighty, lefty loosy, you can change the motor. if its carb'd I would go for a 5.7 liter. I would also swap the manifolds as they are cheap.

depending how handy you are, you can probably get a low mileage salvage yard motor and have refreshed for about $1500 with new manifolds.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,...... Swappin' a boat motor, is in My mind, 'bout 1/2 as tough as swappin' a car's motor,....

Pull the drive, then the motor,.... Easy peasy,.....

 

[Bt Doctur]

Where you located? And would you prefer to build your own?

 

[sub2010ss]

I can definitely turn a wrench, that is no problem at all. And with youtube anything is possible right? I am located in Cedar Rapids, IA. I have the ability to assemble an engine if I had all of the parts but wouldn't mind something with a warranty. This is a 8 bolt intake engine with what I am assuming is a throttle body style injection and not carb. I'd be happy swapping a 350 but would be fine just replacing the 305 as well.

 

[Scott Danforth]

8-bolt intake is simply a vortec headed engine. same block and heads you would find in the same year truck. only you can tell us if the motor has EFI or Carb. Marine motors are still available with carbs on certain sizes.

 

[Bondo]

I can definitely turn a wrench, that is no problem at all. And with youtube anything is possible right? I am located in Cedar Rapids, IA. I have the ability to assemble an engine if I had all of the parts but wouldn't mind something with a warranty. This is a 8 bolt intake engine with what I am assuming is a throttle body style injection and not carb. I'd be happy swapping a 350 but would be fine just replacing the 305 as well.

Ayuh,.... Yer there, 'n can see it, We can't,.... If it's Efi, yer limited to another 305,....

If it's Carbed,.... Ya, you can move up to a 350,.....

 

[sub2010ss]

Turns out its a carb!! Working one ordering a 97 and up 350. I am going to start another thread and track my status as I remove and replace the long block and of course ask a lot of questions. Thanks for all of the help so far!

 

[Scott Danforth]

what drive is it. if it sits in front of a duo prop drive, I would probably build up a 383 stroker. if it is in front of an Alpha drive, the 350 is about max in front of it.

 

[sub2010ss]

It's an alpha drive. I think I'll be perfectly happy with the upgrade to the 350 and the cost is minimal.