What Can You Tell From This Picture.?

[Mark R.]

I'm considering picking up another project boat.
This one has a Mercruiser 5.7 Liter V8 engine.
But I don't know if it's a two barrel or a four barrel.
Is there any possible way to tell from this picture.?
I'm guessing probably not, but just thought I'd ask....
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[Mohawkmtrs]

What boat (length, year, hull type, etc.)?

 

[Mark R.]

What boat (length, year, hull type, etc.)?

It's a 1996 190 Runabout, 19', V-hull, Open bow...
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[flashback]

Hard to tell, the fuel line looks different from mine and I have a 4bl.

 

[99yam40]

why not ask the people that are selling it?

 

[airshot]

Lift off the arrester and look in...

 

[Mark R.]

why not ask the people that are selling it?

They don't have any idea, and they don't seem willing to check it for me.
The boat is not near me, but I'm probably gonna go get it, regardless.
It's a non running project. I was just curious which carb it might come with.
I figure a 5.7 in a 19 footer should move pretty well even with a Mercarb 2bbl.
Isn't that also right about the time of the Pre-Vortec to Vortec transition.?
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[Mark R.]

Lift off the arrester and look in...

Yes... LOL... That's certainly what I would do if I was near it...
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[Scott Danforth]

They don't have any idea, and they don't seem willing to check it for me.

Giant red flag

I would walk away

Isn't that also right about the time of the Pre-Vortec to Vortec transition.?

Not with V-belts

 

[Lou C]

Yep you can see the bolts for that engine lift bracket are angled, that says pre-Vortec to me. Vortec intake bolts go in straight down.
If the sellers are that unmotivated, I'd pass, the boat is 30 years old, there could be all kinds of things wrong with it, from engine/drive to structural. It could have been left out in the elements, not winterized, anything is possible. The last thing you want is a wood cored fiberglass boat with an I/O power train. Both need frequent and thorough maintenance to last.
Much better would be an aluminum boat with an outboard.
Having bought a 14 year old boat and having issues with the structure, some mechanical issues too, I'd never do that again. Save your money to buy something that doesn't need work, only maintenance. You underestimate how fast you lose interest in "projects".

 

[Mark R.]

I would walk away

Yeah. It's frustrating...
The person selling it seems totally honest, but just not knowledgeable...
Plus it's also gonna require a three hour road trip to go see it and get it.
If it was closer, I would already know about the condition of everything.
The engine is not running, and they're saying the block is not cracked.
I'm expecting to rebuild the engine and outdrive, which doesn't scare me.
But I am NOT interested in tackling a floor and/or transom reconstruction.
I can certainly walk away after I get there and thoroughly check it out.
It's a killer cheap deal but I will probably pass on it...
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[Mark R.]

Yep you can see the bolts for that engine lift bracket are angled, that says pre-Vortec to me. Vortec intake bolts go in straight down.

Ah, good clue. I will keep that one in mind as I continue to search. Thanks.!
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[Mark R.]

Not with V-belts

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Ah, another excellent clue.! Is that definitive.? In other words:
- Were there ever any Vortec engines that came with V-belts.?
- Were there ever any Pre-Vortec engines with a serpentine belt.?
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[Scott Danforth]

All motors prior to vortec motors were V-belts

No, there were not any vortec motors with V-belts from the factory

The intake in the picture is NOT a vortec intake