3.8 or 4.3

[bsh21wash]

Which is a better engine? I heard the 3.8 was, but have no clue

 

[Bondo]

Re: 3.8 or 4.3

Since When is Smaller Better,..??..??..... In a Boat No Less,....??......

 

[bsh21wash]

Re: 3.8 or 4.3

Well I heard the 3.8 was a better design

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: 3.8 or 4.3

They are both smallblocks minus two cylinders. The 3.8 uses the same pistons as 5L and 4.3 uses the same pistons as the 5.7L. I would prefer the larger, but I wouldn't give either an edge otherwise.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: 3.8 or 4.3

the 3.8 because my boat has one


I dunno why but the pre-vortec 4.3 with 2 BBL is rated ONLY 5HP more than the 3.8 2 BBL. You would thing .5L would be good for more than 5

I have the Hot Rod issue from 1982 where they do a 229 build (3.8 chevy) and dyno at various stages of modification. The marine cam (basically the same grind as the Edelbrock 2112) moves the 229 from 125HP to 165HP...
I've never seen an engine respond to a cam so much with stock rockers and valves, but it verifies the marine rating of 170HP vs. the automotive 120HP in the 78-82 Malibus and Montes etc.

With headers, fancy intake, different rockers and such they got the 229 making around 230HP... not too bad for a stock block with bolt on mods only

 

[KaGee]

Re: 3.8 or 4.3

If you have the 4.3 now, don't go backwards.