difference between V6 and V8 block

J

jsherrill

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Aug 17, 2008
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I have a 1983 glaspar boat, made by waitsboro, I/O . It has a omc Chevy 3.8L V 6 229 ci motor in it. I just recently found out that the block was cracked as well as both manifolds, from the previous owner. So I have a friend that has a Chevy 305 small block, will the engine swap be a breeze ?????? as in just ...bolt up... or what? Will the V 8 block bolt up to the outdrive? I was also looking at manifold kits for it too, can I just buy the manifold and risers or do I have to buy the complete kit with everything?
 
jerryjerry05

jerryjerry05

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May 7, 2008
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Re: difference between V6 and V8 block

Changing from 6 to 8 is never easy or cheap.The bell housing is the only thing that will probably interchange.
Save yourself a lot of trouble and stick with the 6.
The exhaust probably wont line up.The carb,alt,hoses,motor mounts,etc.prob won't fit either.
Then the drive will ne new gears as the ratio is different.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Jerry
 
MikDee

MikDee

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4,745
Re: difference between V6 and V8 block

A 4.3 Chevy V6 is the same basic block, but there might be factory mods or upgrades over the years that require a different bell housing or coupling.
 
J

jsherrill

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Re: difference between V6 and V8 block

I keep getting told that it's going to be to much money to do the engine swap, it's not a problem really, money does not matter at this stage of the build. One person a while back said the boat was 25 yrs old and it was not worth it! I was not aware I was being judged for how old the boat is. For that person's info the boat is 25 yrs old yeah but, I also restore old cars , trucks, old beetle's etc, so I reworked the boat all new paint, gauge's , wiring, railing, floor, interior,tops everything. So before they said the boat wasn't ""WORTH IT"" they should ask about it's shape first! When I asked if it was a basic "fit up" I meant the flywheel end of the block is it going to bolt up to the out drive? That's what the question was. The V 8 I can get is a complete motor, I will take care of the rest of the stuff that needs to be put on or switched. I just don't know if they would bolt up or not? No clue. The reason behind getting the V 8 is cause I can't find a V 6 block for it.
 
N

n2ostroker

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Aug 9, 2008
Messages
177
Re: difference between V6 and V8 block

jsherrill said:
I keep getting told that it's going to be to much money to do the engine swap, it's not a problem really, money does not matter at this stage of the build. One person a while back said the boat was 25 yrs old and it was not worth it! I was not aware I was being judged for how old the boat is. For that person's info the boat is 25 yrs old yeah but, I also restore old cars , trucks, old beetle's etc, so I reworked the boat all new paint, gauge's , wiring, railing, floor, interior,tops everything. So before they said the boat wasn't ""WORTH IT"" they should ask about it's shape first! When I asked if it was a basic "fit up" I meant the flywheel end of the block is it going to bolt up to the out drive? That's what the question was. The V 8 I can get is a complete motor, I will take care of the rest of the stuff that needs to be put on or switched. I just don't know if they would bolt up or not? No clue. The reason behind getting the V 8 is cause I can't find a V 6 block for it.
Click to expand...

Bellhousing pattern should be the same. The reason people say its expensive is because of the need for marine parts to switch to a V8. Is the V8 a marine engine complete with manifolds, risers, marine carb, distributor, water pump, etc? If so you need to find block dimensions and check how much longer the V8 is. The 4.3 should be the same width. I don't know but the with the 4.3 being shorter you need to check motor mount location. Find dimensions on a 350 and compare to your 4.3 then start measuring the space you have.
 
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