Power plant replacement

[filmmaker101]

Hello,

I have a 1989 Maxum 20' open bow with 3.0l mercruiser motor and alpha 1 out-drive.

The powerplant is dead and needs replacement.

I am curious what are my options to drop in as far as motor sizes. Can I go larger? if so, how large? Is it an easy transition? I will be doing the work myself.

I love my boat and am not ready to give it up.

I would love to drop in a larger motor.

Thank you in advance.

-Michael

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Power plant replacement

You might have to google a bit, but check to see what Maxum put in those boats as the larger/largest engine.

I would think a 4.3 would be OK, . . . how much money do you have to put towards this project? The problem being you would be transitioning from a 4 to a V6.
so, you'd be buying a complete engine, not just a long block.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Power plant replacement

You can go as large as you'd like, it's either an easy or difficult transition depending upon your abilities and how much you want to spend. Any motor will bolt to your transom assembly, but your Alpha drive will probably become extremely unhappy (blow up) if you try to run more than 300 HP or so through it.

To mount a V6 or V8, at a minimum you'll need a complete engine package (exhaust, bellhousing, ignition, etc), new front motor mounts, possibly some work on the stringers to mount the new front motor mounts, and an exhaust Y-pipe to replace your single pipe.

 

[Don S]

Re: Power plant replacement

You will also need a different gear ratio for the outdrive, and an Exhaust Y bolted to the transom shield. Oh, and hope your engine cover will fit over the wider engine and you have stringers to set the V engines motor mounts on. You would also need a COMPLETE marine engine setup, as none of the 3.0L parts will fit on a bigger engine.
Other than that, it's not much of a problem.

 

[filmmaker101]

Re: Power plant replacement

I think you are talking me out of replacing my 130 with a larger motor.

I was hoping to have the ability to drop another motor in without much else to do.