1999 volvo 5.0L cracked block...what's the cheapest fix?

[craze1cars]

I'm considering buying a 1999 boat that has a disclosed cracked engine block due to improper winterization. 1999 Volvo 5.0L 2bbl carb. Freshwater open cooling system. I'm just trying to calculate the economics of such a purchase. Boat is otherwise complete and in excellent condition.

Time/labor is a non-issue. Assuming I spend this winter fixing it myself in my spare time (therefore do NOT consider labor costs, except for possible machine work), what are my options, and which of these options is the least expensive to get it fixed and running right again? I own an engine hoist etc...a large heated workshop, and I have many tools. I have swapped motors in cars before, but never in a boat. However I have pulled outdrives, changed bellows, done engine alignments etc on boats before. So I do have a good general concept of how they're assembled and how to fix 'em. I own some Mercuriser service manuals, but for models older than 1999. Basically I'm a general all-around handiman mechanical-type guy who's not afraid to tackle a project, but I have never taken on a full V8 engine rebuild nor have I swapped a marine I/O motor, so I don't know what specifics I need to look out for in that respect.

I'm ESPECIALLY interested in the approx PRICES of various options? Pitfalls and considerations I need to think of? I'm sure many will suggest an easy upgrade to 5.7 while I'm at it? Does that upgrade cost a lot more in extra parts vs just going with another 5.0? I'm thinking my 5.0 carb/intake/exaust setup won't ideally work with a 5.7 without changing some of that too...increasing costs. Am I thinking correctly or am I wrong on that?

I'm more interested in just getting the boat running CORRECTLY for the absolute bottom dollar possible than I am in upgrading...it's just a 19 footer open bow so I think going back to another 5.0 will provide adequte HP for this ride...especially since the base motor for this boat when it was new was a 3.0.

So I'm just bouncing things around here and thinking out loud deciding on what kind of money offer I should make on this rig...please help me brainstorm with all of your vast experience.

Should I...

Disassemble motor to bare block and have it repaired, then reassemble?
Get a replacement used marine engine and swap it?
Get a remanufactured marine engine and swap it?
Automotive engine/block possibilities while re-using all my other marine stuff?
What other options am I missing? Which options are cheapest? Suggested sources for the parts I need?

Thank you.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1999 volvo 5.0L cracked block...what's the cheapest fix?

Does that upgrade cost a lot more in extra parts vs just going with another 5.0? I'm thinking my 5.0 carb/intake/exaust setup won't ideally work with a 5.7 without changing some of that too...increasing costs. Am I thinking correctly or am I wrong on that?

Ayuh,... You're right,... That's absolutely Wrong....
Everything from the 5.0l Motor will bolt on,+ Run on a 350 longblock.....

Which options are cheapest?

The Cheapest is a Junkyard 350 outa a similar vintage Chevy pickup truck....
Next would be a GM Goodwrench 350 of the proper vintage...

Btw,... Frozen Blocks are nothing but Scrap,.. They're Not repaired....

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 1999 volvo 5.0L cracked block...what's the cheapest fix?

buy a long block and replace the risers and exhaust manifolds. they crack as well. carefully inspect the intake manifold as it can crack too.
if you go with the 350 check the carb jetting numbers between the 305 and 350.
same carb but usually slightly different jetting.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: 1999 volvo 5.0L cracked block...what's the cheapest fix?

OK great...thank you both very much for helping me learn. That helps a ton on deciding on a respectable price range for this thing, and what I need to look for. If I end up tackling this project I'll probably be back this winter asking for a few more details after I am under way.

Seeing that automotive 350 is a possibility, presumably cheaper and more plentiful than marine blocks, and more common than the 305, I may look into that route if I purchase this boat.

2 more questions that I am unclear of: If I buy a used Chevy 350 from a salvage yard....

1. Bondo mentions "proper vintage." What specific model year(s) should I be pricing in terms of Chevy truck motors...for easiest bolt-up and conversion to marine use with the 1999 Volvo parts that I'll be working with...again trying to keep my costs minimized. What years should I avoid? Got a good friend with a 1993 Chevy 350 out of a pickup in his garage that he will sell me reasonable...and I KNOW it is a solid motor, rather than a junkyard guesswork engine. Is this 1993 motor too old to mate up easily or would it be a good option for me to consider?

2. Will I be using the heads from the Chevy 350, or do I reuse the heads off the Volvo 5.0?

I'll be going to look at this boat in person tomorrow morning. All may be moot if I don't like what I see...

EDIT!!!!

3rd question: If I change to 350, do I need to be concerned about my current 5.0 outdrive ratio? Or are they the same?

Thanks again.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1999 volvo 5.0L cracked block...what's the cheapest fix?

Ayuh,... #1,... You need a 1996 or Newer... The head ports changed that year...
#2,... Use the 350 heads,... That's what We're sayin',.. Use a Long Block swap...
That's the Block, With Heads,... Just a Block without heads is a Short Block...
#3,... It shouldn't be an issue, at All...

 

[craze1cars]

Re: 1999 volvo 5.0L cracked block...what's the cheapest fix?

Perfect. This is exactly the info I needed to arm myself with...

Thank you very much for the quick education!