Which would you buy and why? MerC. reman. 383MPI, new 350MPI, or new 5.7L TKS carb.

N

NormRinker

Seaman
Joined
May 7, 2007
Messages
56
Hello all,

Which one of the three listed engines would you buy and why?

MerCruiser (Remanufactured) stroker 383ci MPI 350HP complete drop-in engine. $7,000 range.

MerCruiser (New) 350ci MPI 300HP complete drop-in engine.
Again, $7,000, maybe $8,000 range.

MerCruiser (New) 5.7L TKS carburetor 250HP complete drop-in engine.
$6,000 range.

I have a 1998 Rinker Captiva 232 cuddy cabin that came with the MerCruiser 5.7L carburetor (2 barrel) engine. The engine was damaged and got yanked out of the boat. I have a Bravo three outdrive on it with the 26 pitch propellers. This boat is about 23'6" with 8'6" beam, weights 4100lbs dry (more like 5000+ loaded), and is a trailered salt water boat.

The MPI would be nice to have, however the simplicity aspect of it goes to carburetor. The thing is I would love to have an "upgraded" powerplant verus a stocker for some performance improvements.

I am deaf, so getting stuck out on the water is something I want to avoid at any cost. I may make occassional trips without any one on board to help with the VHF radio, etc. Don S. put it down the best that when he is out in the middle of no where with no communication lines that he wants his engine to be reliable and starts right up every time. That's what I would like.

What do you all think? Any advices, suggestions, and/or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!
 
WillyBWright

WillyBWright

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 29, 2003
Messages
8,200
Re: Which would you buy and why? MerC. reman. 383MPI, new 350MPI, or new 5.7L TKS car

Reman'd Stroker! Carbs are less reliable due to varnishing potential. EFIs are sealed units as far as fuel goes, and gas doesn't go bad nearly as fast once it's in the system. The gas in the tank is just as susceptible no matter what engine. I'd get SmartCraft gauges and get a visual warning light to bolster the audio alarm. Another possibility is VDO gauges with warning lights in the gauges.
 
Reel Poor

Reel Poor

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jan 29, 2005
Messages
5,522
Re: Which would you buy and why? MerC. reman. 383MPI, new 350MPI, or new 5.7L TKS car

It's really hard to recommend one of the engines, they are all good. One thing to keep in mind is fitting the engine in the engine compartment. The new EFI engines are taller than their carbed comparisons. Be sure you do your homework and make sure you have adequate clearence.
 
J

John_S

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jun 21, 2004
Messages
4,269
Re: Which would you buy and why? MerC. reman. 383MPI, new 350MPI, or new 5.7L TKS car

Given your boat and drive, would go 383 for the extra torque.
 
180shabah

180shabah

Rear Admiral
Joined
Mar 26, 2005
Messages
4,995
Re: Which would you buy and why? MerC. reman. 383MPI, new 350MPI, or new 5.7L TKS car

And don't forget to budget or gear/prop changes that go with more power.
 
C

CharlieB

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 10, 2007
Messages
5,617
Re: Which would you buy and why? MerC. reman. 383MPI, new 350MPI, or new 5.7L TKS car

Who gives What Warranty for How Long?

Where can you get warranty repairs if needed?

Think if worst case, If something was to go wrong (Murphy's Law) Whats covered, where and when could it be taken care of.

The money is about the same, the power is close enough, more could be nice, but Warranty, coverage, how long covered could be an important facter in determining which way to spend your hard earned cash!
 
bomar76

bomar76

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 27, 2002
Messages
1,963
Re: Which would you buy and why? MerC. reman. 383MPI, new 350MPI, or new 5.7L TKS car

Stroker, hands down.
 
N

NormRinker

Seaman
Joined
May 7, 2007
Messages
56
Re: Which would you buy and why? MerC. reman. 383MPI, new 350MPI, or new 5.7L TKS car

WillyBWright said:
Reman'd Stroker! Carbs are less reliable due to varnishing potential. EFIs are sealed units as far as fuel goes, and gas doesn't go bad nearly as fast once it's in the system. The gas in the tank is just as susceptible no matter what engine. I'd get SmartCraft gauges and get a visual warning light to bolster the audio alarm. Another possibility is VDO gauges with warning lights in the gauges.
Click to expand...

The stroker sure does sound good. I am trying to find the best price on one right now.

What does SmartCraft gauges do that the older gauges can not do?

Warning lights would be nice, so it is something I plan on doing. Possibly adding some lights and hooking them up into the existing audible alarm signalers.

Thanks.
 
N

NormRinker

Seaman
Joined
May 7, 2007
Messages
56
Re: Which would you buy and why? MerC. reman. 383MPI, new 350MPI, or new 5.7L TKS car

Reel Poor said:
It's really hard to recommend one of the engines, they are all good. One thing to keep in mind is fitting the engine in the engine compartment. The new EFI engines are taller than their carbed comparisons. Be sure you do your homework and make sure you have adequate clearence.
Click to expand...

That's why it's pretty hard to decide on which engine would be the best suited replacement for my dead engine.. Possible decisions to think over and also to make one soon.

How true about the clearances in there prior to the purchase of next engine. I think the middle seat section cover was pretty close to the power steering pump pulley on the upper right corner. I am not sure about the available clearance on upper left corner for where the alternator would sit on any of these three listed engines. Original engine had alternator on the bottom right corner below the power steering pump. I think MerCruiser moved them around to keep the alternator higher away from possible water intrusions.

I should check to be certain, that's a very good advice and reminder, however I think Rinker installed some MPI engines into their Captiva 232 line of boats which I have one. I believe my model year 1998 Captiva is similar to the newer model years, let's say 2005 or 2006 that did come with 6.2L engines. I can always try Rinker's customer service on the internet to double check not to mention going to measure for myself to see.

Thanks for this very important advice to check for adequate clearances!
 
N

NormRinker

Seaman
Joined
May 7, 2007
Messages
56
Re: Which would you buy and why? MerC. reman. 383MPI, new 350MPI, or new 5.7L TKS car

imported_John_S said:
Given your boat and drive, would go 383 for the extra torque.
Click to expand...

The extra horsepower and torque is what I would like to have in my boat. I can only wonder if my high hourage Bravo Three can hold up to the newfound torque. I think no holeshots, or roughing the throttle should help.

:D
 
QC

QC

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 22, 2005
Messages
22,783
Re: Which would you buy and why? MerC. reman. 383MPI, new 350MPI, or new 5.7L TKS car

Stroker!! If it fits of course, but I love mine . . . it's a 377, but starts and runs with no arguments, ever. Love it!!!

Also, heck, when have Willy and I ever agreed on anything? :D
 
N

NormRinker

Seaman
Joined
May 7, 2007
Messages
56
Re: Which would you buy and why? MerC. reman. 383MPI, new 350MPI, or new 5.7L TKS car

180shabah said:
And don't forget to budget or gear/prop changes that go with more power.
Click to expand...

I will check through the paper work to see what gear ratio Bravo Three sterndrive I have on the boat. It had a set of 26 pitch propellers on with the original MerCruiser 5.7L 2 barrel carbureted engine in there. The speedometer was inop, however it did tach out at 4800 per the factory tachometer. However fast that went. Do you think I would need to prop up or down or to swap gear ratios?? I hope it's just the propeller work. Thanks!
 
N

NormRinker

Seaman
Joined
May 7, 2007
Messages
56
Re: Which would you buy and why? MerC. reman. 383MPI, new 350MPI, or new 5.7L TKS car

CharlieB said:
Who gives What Warranty for How Long?

Where can you get warranty repairs if needed?

Think if worst case, If something was to go wrong (Murphy's Law) Whats covered, where and when could it be taken care of.

The money is about the same, the power is close enough, more could be nice, but Warranty, coverage, how long covered could be an important facter in determining which way to spend your hard earned cash!
Click to expand...

Mercury/MerCruiser offer one year warranty on all the three listed engines.

I might do the engine install myself, so I guess the repairs will be self performed also.

I will have to check with them on if a self installation will be valid on warranty or not because I was sold by someone it has to be done by a certified MerCruiser technician.

Thanks.
 
N

NormRinker

Seaman
Joined
May 7, 2007
Messages
56
Re: Which would you buy and why? MerC. reman. 383MPI, new 350MPI, or new 5.7L TKS car

QC said:
Stroker!! If it fits of course, but I love mine . . . it's a 377, but starts and runs with no arguments, ever. Love it!!!

Also, heck, when have Willy and I ever agreed on anything? :D
Click to expand...

If it doesn't fit... I may have to alter some stuff then! :D

What boat do you have and what is the performance like with it?

Thanks!
 
N

NormRinker

Seaman
Joined
May 7, 2007
Messages
56
Re: Which would you buy and why? MerC. reman. 383MPI, new 350MPI, or new 5.7L TKS car

billbayliner said:
I personally would go and buy a "NEW" GM marine engine from Michigan Motorz for 1/2 the price.

http://www.michiganmotorz.com/

http://members.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=michiganmotors
Click to expand...

I did my homework and checked them also. You see, their "Gold" package "NEW" GM marine engine with the exhaust manifolds and risers will cost me $5,000 shipped to my residence.

The deal breaker is that this total is not including the remote oil filter, front belt system, Y-pipe, exhaust flappers, exhaust tubes, coupler (I think I have an Alpha one which is incorrect. Weird?), starter (mine is rusty), alternator, thermostat housing (again, mine is rusty) et cetera.

I think it will be much closer and not half the price when all is said and done in the end. If not right there into the MerCruiser's price range. What do you think?

Thanks.
 
QC

QC

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 22, 2005
Messages
22,783
Re: Which would you buy and why? MerC. reman. 383MPI, new 350MPI, or new 5.7L TKS car

NormRinker said:
What boat do you have and what is the performance like with it?
Click to expand...
It's a Carrera 228, Bravo 1. I've had it to 57, and still have very good hole shot. I tried pulling a 24" prop and it's not quite there with a load. If empty I am pretty sure I'd see 60, but I run a 22" Bravo 1 Merc four blade, and turn around 5100 RPM when lightly loaded. The test on the same package by Hot Boat Mag got 62, but no one ever gets those results :rolleyes: I see well over 3 MPG at cruise, and get slightly better than 3 all day long. I run pretty heavy often, fuel, people and gear. It's probably close to the weight of your 232, she's longer than a friend's 236 Chap and some think she's a 25 footer . . . Never miss a chance to show her off :D

Carrera%20228%20-%20small.JPG
 
N

NormRinker

Seaman
Joined
May 7, 2007
Messages
56
Re: Which would you buy and why? MerC. reman. 383MPI, new 350MPI, or new 5.7L TKS car

QC said:
It's a Carrera 228, Bravo 1. I've had it to 57, and still have very good hole shot. I tried pulling a 24" prop and it's not quite there with a load. If empty I am pretty sure I'd see 60, but I run a 22" Bravo 1 Merc four blade, and turn around 5100 RPM when lightly loaded. The test on the same package by Hot Boat Mag got 62, but no one ever gets those results :rolleyes: I see well over 3 MPG at cruise, and get slightly better than 3 all day long. I run pretty heavy often, fuel, people and gear. It's probably close to the weight of your 232, she's longer than a friend's 236 Chap and some think she's a 25 footer . . . Never miss a chance to show her off :D

Carrera%20228%20-%20small.JPG
Click to expand...

Wow, that's a real nice boat you have there. I like it!! Much props to it! What year is it and where did it get built? :D

I have a Bravo III drive with what is probably the 2.2 gear ratio. It swung 26 pitch propellers to 4800rpm on that stock 5.7 250HP carbureted power. However fast that was with my in-op speedometer (will be fixed with new power).

Do you know much about BIII whether if I would need a gear ratio change or not? I hope to make away with just the propeller change. I think they come in from 20 pitch all the way up to maybe 30 pitch propellers.

Do you think the 383 MPI will push my boat past the 50mph, or possibly 55mph barrier?

Thanks for your time and feedback!

A picture of my boat:

 
QC

QC

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 22, 2005
Messages
22,783
Re: Which would you buy and why? MerC. reman. 383MPI, new 350MPI, or new 5.7L TKS car

Thanks. She's an '01. Made in the LA area. There are a bunch of good custom builders here.

Anyway back to I/Os. I don't know of a good Bravo 3 prop calculator to make an attempt at the speed. You might hit 52ish. That's where my buddies 236 Chap runs with a 320 Volvo Duo-prop. Maybe the Merc site, but everyone says it's innaccurate and I've never messed with it. I'd leave it as is first and see what the extra 400 RPM does if you can get there . . .
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top