EFI Upgrading Questions 87 2.3

[wtsgems]

I have a 1987 Marlin 16 ft with 2.3 ford.
In the near future i want to do some upgrading and wanted to see if anyone has done some of the same or looked into it.
I know that there are retro kits to upgrade to electronic distributor but if i understand there has been issues wiring up the ignition interrupt for softer shifting can someone explain how that works.

I am also thinking about putting in a fuel ejection system is there one that installs easy. Or an aftermarket systems for a four cylinder?
As wore out as the carb is we would need to get a new one for 800 more i'm thinking i could switch to fuel inj and do away with the carb all together.
My main concern in doing so is safety. A carb has some fuel pressure but fuel injection rail pressure is way up there. A mistake could be deadly. Automotive systems are placed in a vehicle that is equipped with shock absorbers where a boat can really get beat up. Also from what i know about EFI systems consistent fuel pressure is a must. But in boats running around fuel is being really sloshed around how much would this effect it?
This boat is my home time tinkering project. ( I drive a truck long haul and stay out three weeks) So while it will take some time. I hope to be restoring it completely. Its not very fancy nor big but already in putting around a drought starved lake going in places that bigger boats would be in trouble and maneuvering around tight places i can tell i like her, even with a carb that has so much slop in the linkages and two vacuum lines blocked off and cut she still reaches close to 40 mph in light chop with 600 pounds of payload that isn't bad at all

 

[dubs283]

Re: EFI Upgrading Questions 87 2.3

im not too sure about what is available for an electronic ignition for your set-up but i know the electronic upgrades for mercruisers work just fine with the shift interrupt systems on those engines

i don't see why there would be any issue with the OMC system

why don't you just rebuild the carb?? you can get kits here on iboats for WAY less the $800!!

upgrading the EFI on that motor would be useless, you would be better off buying a newer boat with EFI factory installed

 

[wtsgems]

Re: EFI Upgrading Questions 87 2.3

Its a project true i can buy a new boat but why does a person build up a old nova? this boat is in good shape . I have been told it is a two owner boat. The seats are all original or so I have been told.
As to changing to EFI why do you think it wouldn't make a difference? the ford ranger is 2.3 and EFI even a 10 hp raise could make a big difference.

 

[dubs283]

Re: EFI Upgrading Questions 87 2.3

10 hp raise could make a big difference.

you'd be surprised how LITTLE difference 10 hp would make in a boat

the ford ranger/mustang 2.3L engines were EFI, thats true but it is set-up for automotive so you woud have some issues to deal with there - new manifold, ecu maps, fuel pump(s), wiring, etc...

im sure it is possible to do but you need to ask yourself - do you want to tinker or do you want to go boating??

do a search here in the forums for EFI upgrades, yeah its possibe and poeple have done it - some with great success, others with major headaches

 

[wtsgems]

Re: EFI Upgrading Questions 87 2.3

Got a reply from force they do make systems for 2.3 fords I hope to get an idea on pricing soon will update when I find out. I spoke with a friend. of mine who is a mechanic didn't. realize that he had worked on boats at on time but he said that he had worked on EFI systems on boats the only main difference. was rubber vibration mounts and water shielding

 

[QC]

Re: EFI Upgrading Questions 87 2.3

he said that he had worked on EFI systems on boats the only main difference. was rubber vibration mounts and water shielding

And Coast Guard approval

 

[wtsgems]

Re: EFI Upgrading Questions 87 2.3

That's one I didn't think of.
that could be a hitch

 

[sam60]

Re: EFI Upgrading Questions 87 2.3

I have a 1987 Marlin 16 ft with 2.3 ford.
In the near future i want to do some upgrading and wanted to see if anyone has done some of the same or looked into it.
I know that there are retro kits to upgrade to electronic distributor but if i understand there has been issues wiring up the ignition interrupt for softer shifting can someone explain how that works.

I am also thinking about putting in a fuel ejection system is there one that installs easy. Or an aftermarket systems for a four cylinder?
As wore out as the carb is we would need to get a new one for 800 more i'm thinking i could switch to fuel inj and do away with the carb all together.
My main concern in doing so is safety. A carb has some fuel pressure but fuel injection rail pressure is way up there. A mistake could be deadly. Automotive systems are placed in a vehicle that is equipped with shock absorbers where a boat can really get beat up. Also from what i know about EFI systems consistent fuel pressure is a must. But in boats running around fuel is being really sloshed around how much would this effect it?
This boat is my home time tinkering project. ( I drive a truck long haul and stay out three weeks) So while it will take some time. I hope to be restoring it completely. Its not very fancy nor big but already in putting around a drought starved lake going in places that bigger boats would be in trouble and maneuvering around tight places i can tell i like her, even with a carb that has so much slop in the linkages and two vacuum lines blocked off and cut she still reaches close to 40 mph in light chop with 600 pounds of payload that isn't bad at all

You don't want to be throwing parts at it and hope one sticks. Sorry WTS, had to get my digs in!

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: EFI Upgrading Questions 87 2.3

do a search here in the forums for EFI upgrades, yeah its possibe and poeple have done it - some with great success, others with major headaches

Yes it's been done. legally and illegally(non-Coast Guard Approved)

Either way it takes an inordinate amount of time and money to get only a small HP gain and have more money in the boat that it could possibly be worth.

A much better path would be to just install a 4.3L V-6 or 5.0/5.7L V-8 and change the drive(to the correct ratio).

This way you have a boat that will be more practical, cheaper, reliable, have more power and be legal.

 

[wtsgems]

Re: EFI Upgrading Questions 87 2.3

You don't want to be throwing parts at it and hope one sticks. Sorry WTS, had to get my digs in!

Gggrrrrrr LOL
duck and dive
guess I should have worded that better, only meant. carb size was right.
Even with this 4 being sick with a carb that is wore out she still reaches close to 40
the coast guard. issue wasn't. taken into account however.
I will need to look deeper into this me and my wife both agree we like the boat. it's small enough that it's easy to drag around without a lot of trouble. or fuel cost, but a deeper hull than what you can easily find on todays market at least for it's size,

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: EFI Upgrading Questions 87 2.3

why does a person build up a old nova?

the first step of a Nova build up is to pull out the 4 or 6 cyl and drop in a V8

Any mods to that 2.3 are useless. It's already turning 5200 rpm. If you could get more power out of it, it will mean revving it faster. The drive is not designed to turn any faster. You'll be risking the u-joints.
Also your little 13 spline propshaft lower unit is rated for 140HP max... any more torque and it could become unreliable.

When was the last time you did a compression test on your 2.3? How are the valves and timing belt? Are you sure it's even making proper power?

 

[wtsgems]

Re: EFI Upgrading Questions 87 2.3

EDIT: This is not the place to discuss trucking laws.


I am looking for a more efficient safer system, more hp or rpm not a actually a goal.
EFI systems are a closed system your fuel is injected into the manifold air chambers. directly. where carbs. have fuel vapers on top.
I like bbq but not if it's my butt acting as the roast.
I like boating on lake texhoma a very big lake so efficient fuel economy is a big bonus. question. what torque. can the lower unit handle? I was under the impression torque plays a more important part

 

[wtsgems]

Re: EFI Upgrading Questions 87 2.3

That was wrong, could have at least p.m me

 

[sam60]

Re: EFI Upgrading Questions 87 2.3

That was wrong, could have at least p.m me

WTS - I am not a moderator, but I sent you a PM, but not sure what I missed today. Edits happen often and you shouldn't be offended. Just as I type this I know it should be somewhere like the Dockside Chat Forum. Most edits that I've seen are due to being mis-categorized. To keep this in line with the forum, I would stick with the carb.

MZ

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: EFI Upgrading Questions 87 2.3

question. what torque. can the lower unit handle?

right around 150 ft. pounds to the input of the upper gearcase.

I think 115HP is all they used that 400 size lower gearcase to on outboards...
140HP 3.0 up to 1989 had it, then the 3.0 Cobras all got updated to the larger 15 spline propshaft 800 size lower in 1990

I am looking for a more efficient safer system,
EFI systems are a closed system your fuel is injected into the manifold air chambers. directly. where carbs. have fuel vapers on top.
I like bbq but not if it's my butt acting as the roast.
I like boating on lake texhoma a very big lake so efficient fuel economy is a big bonus.

there's nothing safer on a boat than a carburetor to deliver gasoline to a spark ignited engine.. low pressure delivery is safer than high pressure to EFI from an electric gas pump.
No measurable payback in efficiency will be realized over the lifespan of your boat from an EFI conversion.
Carbs are quite efficient on boats when running on plane.
If you want efficiency, keep the hull clean, tune it up and switch to a stainless prop....weigh the boat to see if there's any waterlogged foam or wood on board and if there is get it out. Check your valves and plugs and compression test it every season. Check the timing belt and ignition timing seasonally too.

 

[boatguya1]

Re: EFI Upgrading Questions 87 2.3

im not too sure about what is available for an electronic ignition for your set-up but i know the electronic upgrades for mercruisers work just fine with the shift interrupt systems on those engines

i don't see why there would be any issue with the OMC system

why don't you just rebuild the carb?? you can get kits here on iboats for WAY less the $800!!

upgrading the EFI on that motor would be useless, you would be better off buying a newer boat with EFI factory installed

My experience has been that the omc ESA module does not play well with electronic ignition conversions.

James

 

[120_i/o]

Re: EFI Upgrading Questions 87 2.3

Wt, getting ur carb rebuilt is only gona be a couple hundred bucks, takes very little time to replace, and if done right, will work for a long time.
I didnt see anywhere if you posted rpm, but I would bet ur close to max rpm seeing as how ur speed is close to 40. My starcraft is 16' with a 120hp and does 41 gps mph @ 4600 rpm.
New points, plugs, cap/rotor, and maybe even wires wouldnt hurt either.
The points will perform just as good as the conversion if they are set right. FYI, dont waist ur time trying to clean the old points. It only wrecks em, and they are cheap to buy.

 

[wtsgems]

Re: EFI Upgrading Questions 87 2.3

Wt, getting ur carb rebuilt is only gona be a couple hundred bucks, takes very little time to replace, and if done right, will work for a long time.
I didnt see anywhere if you posted rpm, but I would bet ur close to max rpm seeing as how ur speed is close to 40. My starcraft is 16' with a 120hp and does 41 gps mph @ 4600 rpm.
New points, plugs, cap/rotor, and maybe even wires wouldnt hurt either.
The points will perform just as good as the conversion if they are set right. FYI, dont waist ur time trying to clean the old points. It only wrecks em, and they are cheap to buy.

Actually My RPM fairly closely matches my mph that is to say at 3500 I am running close to 35 mph,
My Carb linkages are in very bad shape, the prev Owner had disconected the choke, and butterfly stop, and cut n blocked vacuum lines, Unfortantly while there are plenty of lit on repairing the engine and so on I have yet found any kind of vacuum hose diagram.
I also had a lower unit that had been flushed with water for an unknown peroid of time so I had reflushed it with moter oil drained then refilled it with gear lube,
I did not know what the top rpm was when I was running it so only maxed it at 4200 for a short time, at that rpm I began gas starving and didnt want to push the lower unit till knowing for shure the Water Pump Seal fab was holding.
The boat has a good stainless steel prop.
I may go back with a Carb, But whatever the case will add in a double key switch or some form of ig interupt that makes it so the fan has to be on before the engine will crank.
I have owned a outboard barge and as a kid my father owned a inboard but I have already forgot to switch the blower on after sitting a couple of hours on the lake fishing and deciding to move somewere else.
I am a firm believer that unless a boat gets a little fish slime on it, it aint a boat soooo
23 white bass in about two hours all over 13 inches 4 over 16 and one over 18 and of course the one that got away that was bigger than the boat.....
Thats my story and Im sticken to it!!!!!

 

[Bondo]

Re: EFI Upgrading Questions 87 2.3

My Carb linkages are in very bad shape, the prev Owner had disconected the choke, and butterfly stop, and cut n blocked vacuum lines, Unfortantly while there are plenty of lit on repairing the engine and so on I have yet found any kind of vacuum hose diagram.

Ayuh,.... Donno what carb you've got, but it's no doubt, Not the original....

Boats Don't use vacuum lines, for anything....

 

[wtsgems]

Re: EFI Upgrading Questions 87 2.3

Omc ford engines uses at least one vacuum hose I know.