Repower questions

[Hai Nhi]

I ran across a listing that after inspection, the mechanic found out the big block (496 mpi 7.4 of a sundancer 270 SE) is cracked. The outdrive lower unit is crapped as well.

Question is, how much it usually costs to replace the whole thing (engine & outdrive) with brand new setup? What about just replacing a remanufactured big block and the outdrive?

I saw some online pricing for a big block this size for ~$5000, is that all for materials or more could be needed?

Just trying to figure the number to see if its worth getting it. Asking price is $13900. Again, it's the SE version, not the regular version. Boat is otherwise clean. Windlass not working, cabin upholstery needs redone. Clean cockpit upholstery. Full enclosure and Bimini seem to be serviceable. Boat is a repo by the way.

At this price trailer is separate.

Thanks

Nhi

 

[JoLin]

Re: Repower questions

Boat year? Whatever it is, tho, sounds like it's been neglected. Also, a 7.4 is not a 496. The formula is 61 cubic inches per liter. 7.4 = a GM 454. A 496 = 8.1 liters (also GM). Make sure you're shopping for the right replacement motor.

If you wanted to go all new (factory crate motor and brand-new outdrive), $10-15K installed would be my guess.

 

[Hai Nhi]

Re: Repower questions

It's 1998. And it's 7.4 mercruiser. I don't know where I get that 496 from. Haha. Sorry about that.

Nhi

 

[JoLin]

Re: Repower questions

Okay. A single 7.4 @ 330 hp might be enough for that boat, but it's close. I looked up the specs and see that it has a narrow beam (8' 6") and weighs about 1000 lbs. less than mine (6500 dry). That puts it in league with the Carver 280 I tried (I mentioned it in your last thread), and that one moved out 'okay' with myself and 2 other adults aboard.

If you're shopping to repower, might want to either 1. see if a bigger V-8 (like the 496) would be an easy swap, or 2. make sure you get the highest hp version of the 7.4 that you can.

Finally, tho a lot depends on where you live, $14K seems way high to me for a 1998 with a bad motor and consequently, an outdrive you can't test. The cost of a repower, plus the potential cost of a new outdrive, new canvas ('usable' says to me it's probably original- won't last long once you start using it), plus the other work (upholsery and such) is gonna drive your total investment to $30K or more. The boat isn't worth it, IMO.

My .02

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Repower questions

Hai Nhi:

Move on . . . 7.4 engines are not made in any significant quantities (if at all) any more and they are becoming scarce. $5K is the 'long block' price, typically.

So, that just gets you started. Then there is all the labor of moving the rest of the stuff from the old engine to the new engine. Usually there are a few surprises along the way.

Figure it to be $7-10K all said and done. Full power package replacement would be in the $12-15K range. Not worth it considering what else you could buy.

Here is a link . . . http://www.perfprotech.com/mercruiser-big-block-v8-drop-in-bobtail-engines/category/6489

 

[JoLin]

Re: Repower questions

^^^ best advice of all ^^^

 

[BrianCinAz]

Re: Repower questions

It's 1998. And it's 7.4 mercruiser. I don't know where I get that 496 from. Haha. Sorry about that.

Nhi

Seriously? 1998 with a bad engine and drive? They should give you the boat for free..... Reman short block plus reman drive will cost you over $10K installed. If you have a donor driveline from a wrecked boat, then you might consider that as a project for the next few months. But to pay shop rates for a 14 year old boat.... I think their asking price is way too high, especially if the trailer is not included.

Ask your insurance agent what the FMV of the boat would be. Then subtract $18K for the repairs and hassle factor. It might surprise you to see the end result is a negative number.

It is a BUYERS market right now. Shop accordingly. Don't buy a headache.

 

[Hai Nhi]

Re: Repower questions

. Thanks for all the replies.

Local shop wants $10k to rebuild outdrive & engines. Lowest they can sell the boat is ~$12k. Moving on for sure.

General question about getting a remanufactured block: it might not work well together anyway, right?

Nhi

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Repower questions

Remanufactured blocks can be a crap shoot. Some are fine and some are not. IMHO, it is better to go with a new long block rather than a remanufactured. Cost is usually the deciding factor though.

No way to tell if you go a bum one until it is too late. . .. and at that point warranties don't mean much.