Next winter re-power

[MexicoMike]

Ok Guys, here it goes. I've got a 1988 Four Winns 267 Quest. When I obtained the boat the original 5.7 Liter OMC was locked up. (some idiot ran it with cracked risers and let it sit, won't mention who). So I pulled the motor and had it re-built, the cylinders were pretty rusted up so I had to punch it
.060 out. Besides some carb and the usual shifting problems The boat runs pretty good. But since I use it extensively and exclusively in saltwater and a ways off-shore I would be more comfortable with a new powerplant and sterndrive. I really want to run the Volvo duo-prop, but I don't know what powerplant is compatible and or what kind of problems I will encounter with the existing controls and wiring. Any suggestions? Thanks, Mike

 

[MexicoMike]

Re: Next winter re-power

OOp,s, I forgot to mention that I would like to run a fuel injected powerplant, Maybe ever a stroked 350cid. Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: Next winter re-power

Ayuh,..

I'm pretty sure Volvo will sell you a duo-propped outdrive with about Any powerplant you'd like....
It'll depend on how you go about it, as to how much,+ of what of the existing can be reused...

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Next winter re-power

You had a Cobra.

Now you want to go to a volvo ?

You want a new motor and drive?

You bored that out to .060 Huh?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Next winter re-power

Chief - that is what he said.

Since it's your money... here ya go!

Other packages here:
Volvo Packages

 

[Don S]

Re: Next winter re-power

A new 5.7L MPI Volvo with a DPS-A outdrive will blow you away in the difference between that and your 5.7 Carbed Cobra.
Forget the big block, TOO MUCH FUEL & Weight !!! Even if MPI.
The Volvo DP drive is nothing like the Bravo 3, trust me, I have worked on both and operated both in similar boats. The Volvo is hand down the only DP drive to get. I would avoid the Ocean series. those things are just a pain to work on for little return.
Play with the Volvo engine configurator program for a while. http://www.volvo.com/volvopenta/na/...s/engine_configurator/engine_configurator.htm

You will have fun with that program.
PS: Aquamatic = Outdrive
Do a lot of compairing in that program, including single and duoprop drives, also have a look at the diesel setups (if you have DEEP pockets)

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Next winter re-power

Yep now that is serious power and a big block also, you would be set for another 20 years.

But it got to be serious money.

 

[MexicoMike]

Re: Next winter re-power

Thanks for the suggestions, I'm trying not to spend more than 12-13K on the whole set-up. If i had really paid attention to what I was spending when I did the engine re-build 2 years ago I would have done it then. I've got alot of locals here (Mexican Nationals) trying to convince me to convert to outboards, but IMHO besides them being higher than a giraffe's butt (cost wise) I can't see tryin to haul a big fish over or around them. When I decide to start this ordeal, I'll keep you posted. Thanks again, Mike

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Next winter re-power

I have intimate knowledge of Mexico, my brother went to med. school there.

That was 30+ years ago but things don't change much there.

How you going to get any parts for anything down there?

You going to bring the boat up to the good U.S of A to do the conversion.

I have seen lots of big fish hauled into a boat with 2 outboards hung off the back.

Would i convert to a outboard from a i/o never, and would never recommend it ether.

Who is hording OMC parts down in Mexico?? Tough enough to get parts up here for a cobra.

You didn't ask but i'm going to give the advice anyway, run it till it don't run no more, then sell it.

Or sell it and buy the boat up here and bring it back with you, the boat with the package you want in it already. Load up on spare parts.

Good luck amigo !

 

[MexicoMike]

Re: Next winter re-power

Hiya Chief,
There's really only one place to get OMC parts down here and they are located in Tampico, About a 4 hour drive or a 3 day delivery for overnight. Their selection is pretty thin but I can usually get general maintainance stuff, like impellers, gastkets etc. I will probably do the install myself we have a hoist set up in a boat "hangar". I just need to make sure I do some really good planning , because if I miss anything I'm screwed. I work in the U.S. and come down here for 2-3 weeks every 1-2 months. After all the hassle of import/export not to mention trailering the damn thing 500 miles back to the border, she is here to stay. I can't find anyone who would pay me anything close to what she's worth so , it's cheaper to keep her. Mike

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Next winter re-power

Thats your saving grace coming and going with the parts in your backpack haa.

Keep it till it don't run no more. Then buy what you want here and drive it on the water back. Know a couple of doctors, friends of my brother who did that.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Next winter re-power

Most of the parts are available for the more common 5.7 regular dog clutch Cobras, and Sierra has a lot in the aftermarket as well. Of course since the transom cut out is the same from OMC Cobra to Merc Alpha to Volvo SX, you have a lot of choices. Personally I'd replace the engine with a new long block and run the Cobra as long as you can. Then you can either convert it to a Volvo still keeping most of the Cobra transom assembly, or change out the whole thing to Merc if Merc parts/service is easier to find where you are. Changing to outboards would change the balance of the boat and also cost even more. Salt water use yes it makes sense, but IOs can live in salt if you really keep after them. High tech outboards need high tech mechanics and expensive parts.

 

[MexicoMike]

Re: Next winter re-power

Chief, If i knew where I could get a decent 27 footer with new push for around 15K I'd get a different ride. But being as I got this hull for next to nothing, had the transom and sub-floor redone, complete upholstrey all on the cheap ( Mexico ). I've got her set up for the type of fishing and cruising I like to do. I can't see spending big money on a new boat. And as far as floating her down, the way the gulf loop currents run I'd be half the trip in the hole (trough). No thanks, I'd rather have a three finger prostrate exam !!!!

 

[Don S]

Re: Next winter re-power

Since your engine is good, it is possible to replace the OMC Cobra outdrive only with a Volvo DP-S outdrive. Volvo makes a kit that includes a raw water pump (engine driven) the bellhousing and some spacers for the trim cylinders.
All the advantages of the DP drive, but with your transom shield and engine.
All you need to find is a 1.95 Gear ratio DP-S drive and props.
I did that job on a 460 Ford a couple of times, only it didn't have the kit and I had to make a lot of special one of a kind mounts and other changes. With a 5.7, and a days work you could be out on the water.

Here is what I did with the 460, it will give you an idea of what has to be done.

http://www.4shared.com/account/file/52230280/4fb01885/OMC_KC_to_Volvo_DP_Conversion.html

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Next winter re-power

Play with the Volvo engine configurator program for a while. http://www.volvo.com/volvopenta/na/e...nfigurator.htm

You will have fun with that program.

That configurator is really cool!

I did it for my 87 FourWinns 211 Liberator (21', 3000lb no engine). To get the same approx performance I get with my 97 carbed 454/Bravo III It told me to install either an 8.1Gi /Gxi ( I think it estimated low on the speed... my boat would probably do 65mph+ with an 8.1Gxi and the right props in the water!)

When I ran it for single prop it suggested 5.7Gi/Gxi but estimated a 5-10 mph slower speed.

By the way, That 5.7Gxi that the Chief suggested is about $15,000 from the place he found it (Doug Russell)




On the other hand, on Ebay, I found a (new)

"Mercruiser 357 MAG Bravo 1 Re-Power Package 1.50 drive Engine, Outdrive, Transom Assy. Trim Pump Dirt Cheap !"

for about $8800(+ shipping, customs.. etc)

It's not a Volvo 5.7 Gxi but for half the price it might be a consideration....

Here's another one....A Volvo 8.1Gxi (used) for about $12.5K. It says "Motor" but at that price and according to the picture they must mean complete sterndrive.....you'd have to ask them.....


Good luck.....


Rick

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Next winter re-power

All i do know with what you posted in the first post that .060 overbore motor will not last.

It's brutal but the truth sometimes is.

That was correct your first post?

I wish you luck.

 

[Don S]

Re: Next winter re-power

that .060 overbore motor will not last.

All of these marine remanned engine oufits are all bored .060 over. They don't take the time to measure each cylinder and do the minimum bore. How do you think they sell them so cheaply. It's an assembly line process and done quickly.
People use them all the time and they last, and they are .060 over.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Next winter re-power

Heres the thread directly on point.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=290146&highlight=overbore+.060

Heres a quote from someone i respect one of the greatest mechanical minds
here. Takin directly from the above thread. Other great minds chipped in also


"Merc, Volvo, and former OMC, all recommended the max bore be not more than .030 over standard size. They didn't even sell rings or pistons over .030 oversize.
Having said that, all (or at least 90%) of the aftermarket engine rebuild houses, never even measure the bores, they just automatically go to .060 oversize for everything. Saves time, how else can they make money on them. That's one of the reasons I really don't like those type engines."
__________________
Don S.

 

[MexicoMike]

Re: Next winter re-power

Looks like I stirred up a little interest as far as the overbore. I am not in no means an experienced engine man. I've rebuilt a few SBC's, one I am running in a 74 Vette, another in my boat The car runs like a beast, it is NOT a daily driver . I take it out when it's not too cold or too hot. However the 400 hp I get out of the Vette is not practical for my boat. It would probably blow the first time out at a constant 4 to 5 K rpm. I have been advised by some street builders not to bore beyond .040. This is another reason that I prefer a new powerplant, I want the peace of mind that when I look behind me and don?t see land, that my machine is in tip top shape. For myself it is not a big deal but for my passengers it is my responsibility that they get back home. If I get hit by a Tsunami it?s an act of God, if my equipment craps I will be a piece of chit.

 

[Don S]

Re: Next winter re-power

1. I never recommend anyone get one of the cheap rebuilt long blocks, but many do and the engines are still running. It's just the way it is.
2. Spend a few thousand over your budget, and you have the best you can get. Keep the engine dry, and the fuel clean of water and you will most likely not have problems.
3. Out of site of land, you my not even know a Tsunami happened, till you go back in.
4. Did you download and read the drive conversion?