4.3 vortec head intake question/confusion?

[Bansheex13]

I have a 1996 Marada with a 4.3 liter mercruiser (Chevy). My intake has 12 bolts total and am confused because I thought the 1996-present had only 8 bolts for the intake. I have a 1999 Vortec and it only has 8 bolts total. My motor(1996) also has the older looking steel pan and steel timing cover, and the newer motor has the aluminum looking pan and plastic cover.The motors are both balance shaft.Was the boat motor a year behind or so,or is this normal? I don't think the motor is an older one because even though it has a12 bolt intake,it doesn't have the mechanical fuel pump in port in the block anywhere. What gives with this motor?

 

[liquidlew]

Re: 4.3 vortec head intake question/confusion?

Marada 1, you out there? maybe you can shed some light on this? Sounds like you have a pre 1996 4.3 in there. I have a 1989 4.3 and it has the 12 bolt intake and metal timing cover, but no balance shaft. Think I read in the manual that the balance shaft came into play after 1992, and the 8 bolt intakes in 1996. Could be a year behind, my 1989 boat has 1988 stamped on the intake. Hopefully some of the experts will chime in soon...

 

[wca_tim]

Re: 4.3 vortec head intake question/confusion?

no "expert" here but its not uncommon to have an engine from the year before the boat model year...

 

[Bondo]

Re: 4.3 vortec head intake question/confusion?

no "expert" here but its not uncommon to have an engine from the year before the boat model year...

Ayuh,... Exactly.....

 

[180shabah]

Re: 4.3 vortec head intake question/confusion?

Is this thread 13 or 14 about the exact same two 4.3's ?