My 5.0 to 5.7 swap log

[sub2010ss]

And so the adventure begins. I took the leap and purchased a 1999 Byliner Capri 2050 LS. The exciting and terrifying part is it has a cracked 5.0 L block as the previous owner somehow failed to winterize it properly. Luckily with the help of this page and my mechanical background, I was able to identify the damage and get a deal.

So here is the plan, I'm going to buy a remanufactured Vortec 350 long block from Rapidomarine.com and record my progress on this thread. Of course it would be great if years from now this helps someone else, but most importantly I know I'll be needing a helping hand along the way as well and y'all have been an amazing resource already.

Here is what we have so far.....

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Do ya boat in freshwater, or the brine,..??

Yer gonna wanta trash that 2bbl. carb, 'n intake, then bolt on a 4bbl carb, 'n intake,.....

I recommend the Edelbrock 1409 carb, 'n a Preformer intake if yer boatin' in freshwater,....
I believe Michigan Motors has the cast iron version of that intake manifold for boatin' in the brine,...

 

[TexMonty]

Crazy - nice pic of crack RIGHT NEXT TO DRAIN still closed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[sub2010ss]

Right now it'll be all fresh water, well fresh as Iowa rivers come! Theres always the possibility that I could end up in South Carolina and get in the brine. Thanks for the info in the intake and carb, That was one thing I was adding to my research list. And yes, the previous owner was really clueless about mechanics, and said that he had someone else winterize it for him, apparently not very well!

 

[alldodge]

Why buy a rebuild , why not just pick up a new crate motor?

 

[sub2010ss]

All of the crate engines I have found have been a considerable $$$ difference.

 

[bruceb58]

When I used to get my GM family discount, I could pick up those crate motors cheap. Know any GM employees?

 

[Dave-R]

Four months ago, I picked up brand new GM Vortec 5.7 long block crate engine with 4 bolt mains for 2029.00 delivered to my house. I did have to replace the casting plugs with brass ones for about 10.00$. It also came with harmonic balancer, valve covers, oil pan , and timing chain cover installed. I had previously been using the best machine shop in Utah and the costs were nearly the same. Will do the same next time also. Too many things need to be perfect with a rebuild.
I feel it is a smart thing, and money well spent. I see lots of posts about unhappy owners of rebuilds, and remans. Do it once. Dave-R

 

[sub2010ss]

I sure don't, but I did order my engine tonight, casting 880 96 and newer 350 long block from Rapido Marine.

My 5.0 has a 2 barrel carb and I'm thinking it would be appropriate to swap the intake as well and put a 4 barrel 600CFM Holley in its place. Question I have is, has anyone have any info on the Eldebrock intake, EGR compatability or blocking the EGR?

 

[Bondo]

I sure don't, but I did order my engine tonight, casting 880 96 and newer 350 long block from Rapido Marine.

My 5.0 has a 2 barrel carb and I'm thinking it would be appropriate to swap the intake as well and put a 4 barrel 600CFM Holley in its place. Question I have is, has anyone have any info on the Eldebrock intake, EGR compatability or blocking the EGR?

Ayuh,..... Merc don't run Holleys,... Go with the Edlebrock 1409, 'n the Merc brackets fit,....

 

[sub2010ss]

I didn't see any 5.7 crate engines that cheap or I sure would have picked one up!
I see, so my question on the intake and carb is, will the 350 run fine with the 305 intake and carb? Or is the swap to a 4 barrel just solely for power?

Also, when it comes time to lift this engine out, will a standard cherry picker pull it out or will I need something special?

 

[Bondo]

I didn't see any 5.7 crate engines that cheap or I sure would have picked one up!
I see, so my question on the intake and carb is, will the 350 run fine with the 305 intake and carb? Or is the swap to a 4 barrel just solely for power?

Also, when it comes time to lift this engine out, will a standard cherry picker pull it out or will I need something special?

Ayuh,.... If ya just unbolt yer carb/ manifold off the 305, 'n drop it onto the 350, it'd most likely run pretty Lean,....
You can rebuild the 2bbl. rejet it, 'n run it on a 350, just redline it at 4600 rpms,...

Donno why you'd wanta buy the bigger motor, 'n not make use of it's available horsepower,..??
hence my previous suggestions,...

 

[NHGuy]

He's right, to use the 2 barrel you'd need to work it over, then it still wouldn't give you everything that the motor has. The Edelbrock 1409 is designed for marine use, unlike the automotive Holly you have in mind. It's the ticket for long lasting service.

 

[sub2010ss]

My only concern with swapping the intake is the egr tube not fitting. I'm guessing blocking it is the best alternative?

 

[Bondo]

My only concern with swapping the intake is the egr tube not fitting. I'm guessing blocking it is the best alternative?

Ayuh,... The egr won't make the trip over to the new motor,.... lost in the shuffle,...

 

[sub2010ss]

Does anyone have any knowledge on CFM technologies or Hardin marine's intake / carb kits? Both kits come with an edelbrock 600 carb and their own spin off intake and are reasonably priced.

 

[alldodge]

Does anyone have any knowledge on CFM technologies or Hardin marine's intake / carb kits? Both kits come with an edelbrock 600 carb and their own spin off intake and are reasonably priced.

600 cfm is good for your engine, you won't be pulling more then 440cfm and all stock intakes will supply that

 

[sub2010ss]

Exactly, Im not really looking for huge performance gains, just a solid reliable setup.

So today I started the removal, taking a break right now Heres what I have right now.


The interior on this is really nice so I am going to do my best to preserve it.




Removed speed sensing tube. Lowered the outdrive, drained the lube, disconnected the battery, engaged the forward gear, and removed the screw.






Removed plastic caps, c-clips. Used a mallet to nock the pin to remove the rams.


Gave er a tug and she hoped right off.

 

[sub2010ss]

Everything is loose and disconnected and ready for removal tomorrow. One problem though. The cherry picked I got won't reach deep enough to hook and lift out of the hole. Any other advice for removal? I'm thinking of calling a row truck or building a wood gantry.

 

[alldodge]

Everything is loose and disconnected and ready for removal tomorrow. One problem though. The cherry picked I got won't reach deep enough to hook and lift out of the hole. Any other advice for removal? I'm thinking of calling a row truck or building a wood gantry.

Have a stout tree you can pull under, otherwise the gantry or Gin pole might be best bet.