5.0L to 5.7L upgrade

[mavryk]

I am looking at purchasing a '99 2130 Chaparell with a bad 5.0L vortex. If I buy the boat, I plan to replace the 5.0 with a 5.7 vortex reman. To add a new Edelbrock SBC performer 4Bbl manifold and new Holley 4150 600cfm carb I am looking at around $800. My question is is it worth spending the extra money for what appears to be an additional 30(+/-) hp? I am thinking just going with the stock 2Bbl that is on the current 5.0L. Suggestions/thoughts/comments?

Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: 5.0L to 5.7L upgrade

My question is is it worth spending the extra money for what appears to be an additional 30(+/-) hp? I am thinking just going with the stock 2Bbl that is on the current 5.0L.

The question is, is it worth it to YOU.
Run it with the 2bbl, if you want more, then go for the 4bbl setup.

 

[mavryk]

Re: 5.0L to 5.7L upgrade

I worded my question poorly. I am wondering if there would be a very noticeable performance difference that would justify the extra $$. I will probably stick with the stock setup to see how I like it and then upgrade later if I decide I want more, as Don has suggested. Just curious if anyone who has done the 5.0/5.7 swap has experience running both carb setups?

 

[Don S]

Re: 5.0L to 5.7L upgrade

It would be a noticeable difference, but so will going to a 5.7 from the 5.0. But will your style of boating require it????? That's the question.
If you do a lot of water sports like skiing, boarding, etc, you might like the extra kick from the 4bbl on take off, or if you carry a lot of weight on board. But if you just go cruising around and fishing, you may not want it.

 

[MBAKER]

Re: 5.0L to 5.7L upgrade

I just did this exact thing on a 2000. Replaced a weak 5.0 with 5.7, and did the carb/intake swap. The mercarb 2 barrel that was on it was ok but never seemed right. I put an edelbrock on and it acts way better all around. Its like night and day difference, how much is the engine how much is the carb I dont know. I never ran the 350 with the 2 barrel so I cant help there but Im very pleased and happy I put the 4 barrell on though. That being said the secondaries dont kick in until 2/3 throttle so if you never really get on it from a take off or run WOT you might never use it. But the Edelbrock has smaller primaries than the Mercarb which still helps with low rpm throttle response, kinba like an old Qjet

Might shop around, I did the intake, carb, new flame arrester and throttle bracket for 650$, gaskets would run you another 40-50 if you do it later. Thats if you do it yourself, I dont know what a shop would charge for labor. Later I found another option through discounts that would have done it for 550$ all with new parts, or 450 with a factory reman carb. If you decide to do it let me know and Ill fill ya in.