re-powering a 1984 alpha 260

[MarineMariner]

Good evening Everybody who reads....

I have a 260 Mercruiser alpha drive that was never winterized. The engine has the "new" center exhaust manifolds(but are cracked). I am looking at dropping like $3k into this engine because the block is cracked, as well as the manifolds(likely everything in-between).

I have not made any purchases, as I wanna do this as smart as possible. Any tips would be accepted. I think I need a 2 bolt rear main, correct? Should I marinize a truck engine? I am capable of these repairs.
Do you think the heads and intake are cracked as well? I have not peeled the top of the engine off yet.

Does anybody sell a kit or something so I can get my brass freeze plugs, new seals and cam? What all would I have to do to a truck engine in order for it to be a proper marine engine?

I am sure I have many more questions. THANK YOU!

MUCH respect,
Lucas

 

[Scott Danforth]

Go vortec motor and transfer your front accessories, starter and ignition.

Your heads are most likely shot along with your intake

You can build a new motor for $3k (less exhaust) or get a good quality bobtail ready to go for $3k

 

[Bondo]

I have not made any purchases, as I wanna do this as smart as possible.

Ayuh,..... The Smartest, 'n probably the Cheapest way outa yer situation is to find a rotten hull boat, with a Runnin' 350 in it,......

That way, ya get All the little expensive bit's, 'n pieces,.....
You can up-grade to any year, from yer '84 to current production, carbed, Efi, or MPI,.....

With a throughout inspection, it's not unheard of to score a cherry $5,000. or $10,000 dollar motor in a rotten or smashed hull,....

I recently bought a pair of early '90s vintage freshly rebuilt bobtail 350s for $5,000,.... drop-in ready,.....

 

[MarineMariner]

Ayuh,..... The Smartest, 'n probably the Cheapest way outa yer situation is to find a rotten hull boat, with a Runnin' 350 in it,......

That way, ya get All the little expensive bit's, 'n pieces,.....
You can up-grade to any year, from yer '84 to current production, carbed, Efi, or MPI,.....

With a throughout inspection, it's not unheard of to score a cherry $5,000. or $10,000 dollar motor in a rotten or smashed hull,....

I recently bought a pair of early '90s vintage freshly rebuilt bobtail 350s for $5,000,.... drop-in ready,.....

Thank you for the tips! I am going to try and do that. Anywhere near Ishpeming, Michigan?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... I'm over here at the outlet of Lake Ontario,......

Pretty much at the opposite end of the sweet water seas from you,....

Try craigslist, or the back lots of marinas, swap sheets, whatever, where ever,....

 

[MarineMariner]

Go vortec motor and transfer your front accessories, starter and ignition.

Your heads are most likely shot along with your intake

You can build a new motor for $3k (less exhaust) or get a good quality bobtail ready to go for $3k

Interesting approach! Thanks, if I buy one I will go vortec!

 

[MarineMariner]

Ayuh,..... I'm over here at the outlet of Lake Ontario,......

Pretty much at the opposite end of the sweet water seas from you,....

Try craigslist, or the back lots of marinas, swap sheets, whatever, where ever,....

Appreciate it!

 

[Scott Danforth]

Is there anything near Ishpeming other han a few lakes and an abandoned airport?

You may need to drive a bit south to WI or further

If you are looking for a truck motor, look on car-part.com. LKQ pick a part is the lowest cost for a 350. Next is going to be a rotten hull with a good running motor