I have a 2003 trophy 2359(~24ft 6000lb) with a 5.0L Mercruiser and alpha genII that is almost exclussively used in saltwater. I have been underpowered since the day I bought the boat. The engine now has no compression on a couple cylinders so instead of putting money into repairing a 9 year old underpowered engine, I plan on upgrading the engine. I wanted to go with a 2012 5.7 MPI Mercruiser but can find no one that can provide a full fresh water cooling option, only a half system. The engine compartment has very little space to work in so want to avoid having to replace manifolds in 5-10 years. I am now looking at the indmar 5.7 MPI which comes with a full fresh water cooling system(including dryjoints). I want an injected engine for the convenience, horsepower and improved fuel economy. My alpha genII is geared at 1.62, I am also plannig on replacing the upper to 1.47(thinking SEI). The Bravo conversion would be nice but would like to keep a few dollars in the bank.
Looking for advice on my plan. Also contemplating doing the work myself but cannot figure out how I would get the engine out and back in. I do my own maintenance work on the drive so that piece should not be too hard(I assume a SEI upper and a Merc lower work together) . But how challenging is it to line up the engine correctly (assuming I can find a hoist)? Is there a lot more to it than getting it lined up and bolted down? Thanks for the help.
Looking for advice on my plan. Also contemplating doing the work myself but cannot figure out how I would get the engine out and back in. I do my own maintenance work on the drive so that piece should not be too hard(I assume a SEI upper and a Merc lower work together) . But how challenging is it to line up the engine correctly (assuming I can find a hoist)? Is there a lot more to it than getting it lined up and bolted down? Thanks for the help.
