Re: Engine Upgrades Question
I have an '88 210 Classic, with the 5.7 260 Merc in it. I want to upgrade to a better intake/carb and possibly exhaust manifolds. Also add a little more cam in it, mid range stuff. Not top end speed, just more torque and mid range. I figure to bring the HP up to around 300 or so. Im still safe with the boat with these upgrades, correct? I mean the motor mounts, transom, etc. will take approx. 40 more horse without issue??
As long as your stingers, transom, and all accompanying mounts are in good shape (no rot, broken, etc) 40 hp should be no sweat. Just to warn you though, 300 hp is about all an alpha is gunna handle and live. There were a limited amount of big block alphas, but there is a reason there was only a limited number of big block alphas
. Treat it gently, and it will live to a ripe old age.
As far as go fast parts, if I may make a suggestion, find your self a set a vortec heads (will need the accompanying vortec intake, self aligning rockers, etc, to use). You will probably pick up at least 30 hp easily. The cam swap would be ambitious. You will need to pull the engine from the boat, or pull the engine enough so you can drop the oil pan (oil pan must be removed to get the timing cover off on a SBC). You will need a marine grind cam. Using an automotive grind cam may take your engine out of what it needs for a power curve in a marine environment, and even worse can set your engine up to have water inversion problems (sucking water from the exhaust back into the engine). I don't think you will see huge gains changing the exhaust manifolds out.
Good luck!
