3.0 mercruier swap to 4.3

[Bone76]

Hey guys , need some quick advice !! Here's the story, I recently purchased a 99 stingray 180rs with a mercruiser 3.0 , this boat is so clean it looks like it came off the show room floor! A Freind of mine owns a local marina and just sold a 97 dynasty bowrider with a 4.3, the people that bought the boat would rather have the fuel sipping 3.0. So he asked me if I would like to swap Motors and drives I would only have to pay him like 500.00 for the labor !! I have ridden in the other boat and the motor sounds and runs great !! I would really like the extra hp for a higher top speed and better pulling power !! But Im not sure if the 180rs ever came with a 4.3 !! Is it too small or is it just gonna be super fast ? Will it fit without Modifying the engine cover ? My question really is would you do it!!!

 

[Don S]

Re: 3.0 mercruier swap to 4.3

Swap EVERYTHING, not just engine and drive.
Then build a front motor mount in the boat with the 4.3 and stringers for the 3.0L boat.

His boat will be a total DOG going from a 4.3 to a 3.0. If it gets on plane at all. So make sure you get yours running before he puts his in the water, or there is going to be serious problems.

Will it fit without Modifying the engine cover ?

You have access to both, get your tape measure and start measuring.