3.0 OMC engine swap?

[dodgefan_number9]

OK I just bought a 1987 Starcraft Medalist 1601. The engine model number is: 302AMFTC. The previous owner stated that the boat was not winterized properly, and now it needs a new block. I am very mechanical minded and I am good at working on autos, however, I'm fairly new to the marine scene.

Ideally, I would like to put a larger powerplant in, but I was told I would need to swap the outdrive to a 800 series to put anything larger than a 4 cylinder in. I'm not sure if this information is correct or not. If I can't put a larger motor in, I would like to put something other than an OMC in due to the lack of parts that this company now has to offer. (Plus I would rather get an automotive block and change it over to marine specs).

Any help in this endevor of mine is GREATLY appriciated,

Zach

 

[Don S]

Re: 3.0 OMC engine swap?

You have a Cobra outdrive on that engine, so there is no way you are going to put an 800 stringer drive on the transom plate.
You will need a different cobra drive however. Not only is the 3.0 the wrong gear ratio, but the lower unit housing is also smaller than any of the larger engines.

With a 16 foot boat, just stick with a 3.0L, it will make that size boat run just fine. Then if you want more power, trade up to one with more power and the proper outdrive for it.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: 3.0 OMC engine swap?

Oh No!! Don't tell me Dons is a 24 fan?

But,those Hendrick cars are kicking butt this year.

I pull the #9 Dodge around the country...

 

[Don S]

Re: 3.0 OMC engine swap?

Oh No!! Don't tell me Dons is a 24 fan?

Since Jeff was a rookie.........

 

[dodgefan_number9]

Re: 3.0 OMC engine swap?

I'm a kahne fan...

Is there a block that I can use for the OMC I have, or can I swap to a mercruiser 3.0? I just dont want to have to put another OMC in the boat...

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: 3.0 OMC engine swap?

It's a GM motor. OMC and MerCruiser use the same longblock. It's everything that's on it that varies, and pretty much everything on it is available aftermarket. 90% of the parts won't be a problem anytime soon.

 

[dodgefan_number9]

Re: 3.0 OMC engine swap?

Thanks for the reply... Wher's the best place to find the block?

 

[Bondo]

Re: 3.0 OMC engine swap?

Wher's the best place to find the block?

A Bare Block, or a Long Block,..??.... Or a Short Block,..??....

 

[QC]

Re: 3.0 OMC engine swap?

Since Jeff was a rookie.........

Well at least he is a NASCAR fan . . . Have some guts and hang out with me watching the #4 run 7 laps down . . . if they qualify

 

[UNCC Grad]

Re: 3.0 OMC engine swap?

Gary, I've got a good friend who's a fabricator for Evernham, last name Dehart...you know him by chance?

 

[dodgefan_number9]

Re: 3.0 OMC engine swap?

Short block... I'm trying to do this on a budget, so I'm not opposed to rebuilding it if I have to