merc 5.7 engine serial numbers/fitment check

[jws123]

AS some of you know from my other thread i need to rebuild/replace my motor. I came across a used one local that is rebuildable and cheap. I would much rather throw one right back in then to pull mine then rebuild. i asked the guy for numbers on block this is what he gave me.

10243880 and mo8657 My engine number is K196500

Trying to find out if it will work in my boat the idk dif between years ect not sure about the heads they look like vortec from pics mine are not t i guess if i had to i could use mine.

 

[alldodge]

10243880 and mo8657 My engine number is K196500

Yours comes out as a 1997, and the other as a 1998, both are vortec motors so things should swap

10243880...350...95-00...2 or 4...Vortec truck, Gen.I crate motors and "ZZ4", roller cam, one piece rear seal

You want to hear the motor run, and if unable to do so, then it may be in better or worst shape then yours. Only takes a few hours to pull the motor if you can get at everything to remove

 

[jws123]

Yours comes out as a 1997, and the other as a 1998, both are vortec motors so things should swap

10243880...350...95-00...2 or 4...Vortec truck, Gen.I crate motors and "ZZ4", roller cam, one piece rear seal

You want to hear the motor run, and if unable to do so, then it may be in better or worst shape then yours. Only takes a few hours to pull the motor if you can get at everything to remove

its only $200 its been sitting in his garage for few years says it was a spare and ran when he got it but for $200 i expect it to not and what i was saying was the heads on my boat are not vortec heads i have 12 bolt intake. And with how high my boat is and how its set up i need a cherry picker or something my engine hoist doesnt reach so only wanna borrow one once ect lol.

Also on a side note if mine is suppose to have vortec heads could not being vortect heads be part of my issue with low torque/power? This is how i got it so dont know who did what lol

 

[alldodge]

its only $200 its been sitting in his garage for years says it was a spare and what i was saying was the heads on my boat are not vortec heads i have 12 bolt intake.

Someone must have changed your motor out. As for sales, talk is cheap parts is expensive

 

[jws123]

Someone must have changed your motor out. As for sales, talk is cheap parts is expensive

is it worth it to use vortec heads on it? guy that has the motor just got back to me they are indeed vortec heads on the block also has a intake for it. If its worth using them il just buy it for the heads lmfao

 

[alldodge]

The heads will provide more hp, but not a lot. Some of your stuff may not fit because of bolt holes can be different

Let see if we can get Scott Danforth to comment

 

[Scott Danforth]

Vortec heads are worth the extra 30hp

all the accessories will bolt up to the Vortec heads assuming your motor is a 1986 and newer.

New vortec heads are $750 a pair. used and re-conditioned heads are about $400 a pair.

 

[jws123]

Vortec heads are worth the extra 30hp

all the accessories will bolt up to the Vortec heads assuming your motor is a 1986 and newer.

New vortec heads are $750 a pair. used and re-conditioned heads are about $400 a pair.

With the vortec heads besides intake carb ect do i need to change the lifters and push rods? also will my risers/manifolds still bolt up?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Exhaust ports have been the same on an SBC since 1956

lifters are block and cam dependent

You would only change push rods if you change valvetrain to something other than stock stamped

 

[jws123]

Exhaust ports have been the same on an SBC since 1956

lifters are block and cam dependent

You would only change push rods if you change valvetrain to something other than stock stamped

ok ty for the info i i am def guna go for a vortec heads and a 4 barrel intake and carb i have a 2 barrel atm.

 

[Scott Danforth]

I went vortec heads that I mildly ported, cam, carb spacer and picked up a fair amount of power back in 2012

 

[Bondo]

ok ty for the info i i am def guna go for a vortec heads and a 4 barrel intake and carb i have a 2 barrel atm.

Ayuh,..... I agree with Scott,..... If you just swapped on the heads, 'n 4bbl. carb, yer lookin' at 40 hp, possibly 50 hp,.....

The heads are a solid 25 hp, or maybe the 30 hp Scott says,.....

From 2bbl. carb to a 4bbl. carb is another solid 20 hp, maybe 25 hp,.....

If yer gonna rebuild the short block,.....
Yer gonna be havin' the block over-bored, 'n will need .030" over pistons,.....
Get D-dish pistons, they match the shape of the Vortec combustion chambers, 'n a tight quench of 'bout .040" will really make the Vortec heads shine,.....
Choose the pistons that'll give ya a static compression ratio of as close to 10:1 as you can get,....
Have the machinist deck the block to 0.00" above the piston tops, so the quench will be the thickness of the head gasket, usually 'bout .043",.....

You'll have a snotty, super torquey 4.3l kickin' out close to 300 hp, on regular gasoline,.....

 

[jws123]

Its been a while since i posted tried to buy new boat didnt work out -_- So plan b. I just picked up rebuilt heads I noticed a lot of people change the cam in other threads when they install vortec heads is this necessary? and what are the pros of putting a diff cam in it/is it worth it.?

 

[Scott Danforth]

while the vortec heads make the combustion process a little more efficient, the cam opening the valves a whole lot more gives you more power yet.

I felt it was worth it.

 

[jws123]

What would be a good cam to get with the heads/4barrel i plan to get i know nothing about it never really had to replace one on any of my boats yet.

 

[AKJohne]

Yep....... not all 97's were vortec, I have 97 LX with 12 bolt intake as well. transitional years

 

[Scott Danforth]

the XM264HR would be a good step up from stock. https://www.compcams.com/xtreme-marine-212-218-hydraulic-roller-sk-kit-for-oe-roller-sbc.html

you will need to have your heads brought in to get the seal bosses clearanced for higher lift than stock, or you will need to run beehive springs. above .420" of lift the vortec heads need some attention.

if you actually build the motor from scratch with LCQ style pistons to match the vortec chambers, you get even more power.

 

[jws123]

Ahh ok thanks for the info i guess it depends how far i want to take it $$$$ may just slap the heads intake/carb on it and go for now. I guess depends what i find when i open up engine have yet to pull engine it snowed yesturday :grumpy:

 

[jws123]

Of course after i bought the heads i ran into a deal on a boat guess il give them to whoever i sell my old boat to. I just bought a 1994 searay sundancer 270 7.4 with a bravo 3 duo drive :rockon: I am hoping it will go alot better then my 5.7 alpha setup guy said it gets out of the hole easy and cruises bout 28-30 and top speed 40 or so the drive has 2 24 pitch props on it. I have never had a bravo setup before and the boat has been sitting for 3 yrs will make a separate thread eventually once i pick boat up/look it over. It is currently sitting on blocks so that will be fun trying to get a trailer under it.:grumpy:

 

[Scott Danforth]

make sure you have the 25 year old girl surveyed. you will most likely find moisture in the transom.