Hello,
I have a 1993 19.5" Centra bow-rider. Last season the 2bbl, non-balanced shaft 4.3L gave up the ghost. I got a good deal on a 2001 Chevy vortec to put in it as a replacement. I need a bit of advice on making the swap and set up. I know I need a new intake. 3 options; 1) New merc 2bbl intake and use old carb. 2) New merc 4bbl intake (same cost as 2bbl) and upgrade to 4bbl carb for another $250 or so. 3) Upgrade to an Edelbrock Performer 4bbl intake (about $75 more than the merc) and 4bbl carb.
I'm running a 14 1/8 x 20p 4-blade stainless prop, which I like. Mostly use the boat for pulling skiers and tubing. Looking for decent performance, but this IS NOT a go fast boat, and I have no illusion about trying to make it something its not. Obviously not looking to spend more $$ then necessary, but not opposed to spending a few $$ if it will make the boat noticeably better. I mean who's going to say NO to more power, right!!?
I've also read the cam will need to be changed to a marine one. Is this true? There is enough difference between the street cam and the marine version to warrant the change? If so, should I go stock merc or contact Edelbrock about an aftermarket cam for marine use. ANY advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated. If you've had experience with 2 to 4bbl swaps or non-vortec to vortec swaps please let me know how it went and what you'd recommend.....thanks a lot for your time and help. Skeeter
I have a 1993 19.5" Centra bow-rider. Last season the 2bbl, non-balanced shaft 4.3L gave up the ghost. I got a good deal on a 2001 Chevy vortec to put in it as a replacement. I need a bit of advice on making the swap and set up. I know I need a new intake. 3 options; 1) New merc 2bbl intake and use old carb. 2) New merc 4bbl intake (same cost as 2bbl) and upgrade to 4bbl carb for another $250 or so. 3) Upgrade to an Edelbrock Performer 4bbl intake (about $75 more than the merc) and 4bbl carb.
I'm running a 14 1/8 x 20p 4-blade stainless prop, which I like. Mostly use the boat for pulling skiers and tubing. Looking for decent performance, but this IS NOT a go fast boat, and I have no illusion about trying to make it something its not. Obviously not looking to spend more $$ then necessary, but not opposed to spending a few $$ if it will make the boat noticeably better. I mean who's going to say NO to more power, right!!?
I've also read the cam will need to be changed to a marine one. Is this true? There is enough difference between the street cam and the marine version to warrant the change? If so, should I go stock merc or contact Edelbrock about an aftermarket cam for marine use. ANY advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated. If you've had experience with 2 to 4bbl swaps or non-vortec to vortec swaps please let me know how it went and what you'd recommend.....thanks a lot for your time and help. Skeeter