Upgrade from 800 stringer to ????

[greentahoe]

I have a l984 Proline with the 800 stringer system. It has the 3.8 litre V-6 engine, which will go back in the boat soon. Right now everything works on the stringer, but alas, it's getting older and parts are not always easy to find. I'm thinking that maybe it would be worthwhile to change the whole system, engine and all, to something newer but I'm not sure what is a good I/O system.
On another idea, if I were to replace the 3.8 with a 4.3, can I bolt on the same intake and carb, alternator, exhaust manifolds, etc? I don't know if there are any differences in the bolt on parts between the two engines.
Thanks

 

[tommays]

Re: Upgrade from 800 stringer to ????

The simple answer is to keep nurseing it along

To change to any modern drive line would require a transome rebuild as they were not built to support a new style drive


People do it BUT you really have to love and want to keep the boat to put that much time and money into it

Tommays

 

[KaGee]

Re: Upgrade from 800 stringer to ????

Green...

A 4.3L, early vintage will bolt up to the bellhousing. Not sure about the flywheel coupler. Exhaust Manifold will bolt up, but will it clear the taller valve covers of the 4.3??? You'll need a complete engine as little is swapable... maybe starter, maybe carb.

 

[greentahoe]

Re: Upgrade from 800 stringer to ????

OK, so changing my present boat to a newer system might be more work than it's worth. The other question still remains, who makes a good I/O system? There are tons of Mercruisers around, but how good are they compared to anything else?

 

[DangerDan]

Re: Upgrade from 800 stringer to ????

I'm considering the same swap except 5.7 to 7.6 litre. I know where I can get my hands on a new Volvo Penta w/ drive for 5K . That deal may offset the cost of the transom replacement. Something to consider between now & spring.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Upgrade from 800 stringer to ????

There are tons of Mercruisers around, but how good are they compared to anything else?

Basically,............ The Choices are Mercruiser,.......... Or Volvo...............