repower, to step up or not?

[thatguy]

Hey guys,

I am working on my project boat,(92 pursuit 2150 express) and its time I look at re powering the boat, its a must. Currently the power a FWC 4.3 V6 Alpha 1. The motor will not roll over at all.

I figure that I have a few choices-

1- replace the 4.3L with a reman 4.3L

2- re power with V8 5.7L

After looking at some of the prices for the v8 v v6 cost of motor I might be better off going to a v8 and not worrying about lack of power later. The boat show is coming soon, they usually have nice deals on the 350 HP 5.7 motors.

I also have the 1.8#:1 ratio in the alpha so I would need to address that as well.

Can I get some advise here? What else should I be looking at?


Thanks
Tom

 

[Bondo]

Re: repower, to step up or not?

Ayuh,...

If you're looking at swapping Complete Bobtail motors,...

You could do the necessary Mod's for the V8,+ drop on a brand New SEI drive reasonably enough....

 

[chiefalen]

Re: repower, to step up or not?

What do you mean won't turn over ??

It's hydrolocked ?

Me i like to stick with whats in the boat. Cheapest solution, and new 4.3 you get close to 200hp not enough to fish?

How fast did you go with the current motor?

 

[Don S]

Re: repower, to step up or not?

If you do decide to go with the V8, is there room in front of your engine compartment and cover for the extra length of the engine (and FWCooling system)? You can probably use the same FWC system from the V6 on the V8.
Around $1400 from iboats for a NEW SEI outdrive of the proper ratio. With warranty.

 

[thatguy]

Re: repower, to step up or not?

yeah, the motor will NOT roll over at all, all 6 plugs out 2 complete rust balls, 1 had ice in it. Yup I said ice. I live in Boston, outside today its about 17*, and yeah I am working out there.

there is plenty of room to fit the V8 and FWC system in there. I was thinking if I repowered with the V8, I would reuse as much of the parts as I can.

I got the boat with the motor not running, the guy I got it from said it wasnt a speed boat and that you could really feel 3 or 4 guys on board the boat. He used the boat mostly for fishing, I will be both cruising and diving. My dives are usually 3 to 4 of us. My thought is that the extra power might be a good thing.

Tom

 

[Don S]

Re: repower, to step up or not?

3-4 people and all the gear (Scuba tanks, weights, & other STUFF) and yea, you will probably want the extra power, or it will be really slow getting on step.

 

[Bondo]

Re: repower, to step up or not?

Ayuh,...

I can see 5, 6 Grand to repower it,.... New stuff of course....

I'm not sure how much the Merc. 350, 4bbl. carb bobtail motor's going for nowadays...
That would be a Great start, then add your FWC to it...

 

[thatguy]

Re: repower, to step up or not?

thats the plan, I think! Ill save some cash by salvaging what is on the 4.3. the accessories should all bolt to the 350. Also I will be doing the install myself. I do have the alignment tool so that will aid in making sure that the engine in installed properly. If memory serves correct, I can get that motor for about 3k carb to oil pan. no exhaust manifolds no accessories or brackets. Ill need the bell housing, flywheel, etc.

I think that I am leaning this direction. ill have to talk it over with the little lady and see what she thinks.

Tom

 

[Don S]

Re: repower, to step up or not?

The bellhousing (Flywheel cover) is the same as the 4.3. You will need the proper flywheel. Coupler should even fit the 350 flywheel.

 

[thatguy]

Re: repower, to step up or not?

I have a flywheel for the V8, and a bell housing. I also have a 270 V8 I thought that it was FWCd, but it turns out it wasnt. It had been in storage for about 4 years now. I went to check on it and its was not FWC. Not that is a deal breaker, but I want to run FWC.

I was originally planning on pulling the 4.3 if it was bad and swapping in the 270 that I have. After seeing that its not a FWC, and its running over 400 hrs, I will sell it off. I have a friend of mine that has been asking me to sell it to him for a while. I sell that to him, and that will ease some of the cost of the new motor.

I figure my best bet is to run a new or re-man motor. I will research any re-manufacturers reputation before purchasing.

When I purchased the boat, I was told that it only was burning about 6gph. I figure with the V8, I should not be much more than that as long as I keep the RPMs low. Im not into racing but it would be nice to be able to have the extra power for getting this boat up and out if the water with 4 guys and the dive gear to go with us. The more I think of it the V8 seems to make alot of sense for my application. Not only that, the boat is worth the money that it would cost to install/repower.

Future plans for the boat include a hard top and outriggers. I am seeing that the boat could start to feel the need for a bigger power plant if I decided to stick with the 4.3. 4 guys out for a dive, and with the added weight of the hard top and outriggers, I think that the 4.3 would be a bit disappointing at times. Even thought I am not a fisher man so to speak it does interest me

 

[chiefalen]

Re: repower, to step up or not?

Ok made up your mind heres another option.

Buy a donor boat that has a bad transom or floor but with the package you want and transfer over the motor and drive. And everything else that will nickle and dime you to death.

 

[Don S]

Re: repower, to step up or not?

When I lived in Ketchikan, I repowered a 21' older Bayliner that was in beautiful shape hull wise. Removed the 3.0L Cobra drive and installed a 4.3L MPI Volvo DP-S outdrive. He goes fishing only (no dive gear, but plenty of heavy salmon fishing gear) and usually has 3 to 4 friends. Does about 45MPH when FULL up with everything. Jumps up on step instantly (according to him) but it does actually take 4 or 5 seconds to get up.
If you have the extra change in your pocket, give it a thought.
Here is one source.
http://www.marinepowerservice.com/BoatingStore/browse_detail3.cfm?productID=23530
PS, they have the wrong picture on that site, it's actually a 4.3L V6, not a V8.