1988 4.3 engine swap

[Johnson150]

I bought a 1988 Sunbird with a 4.3 OMC. The block is cracked and has to be replaced. A friend has a 1988 deck boat with a 4.3 Mercruiser. Will this work in place of the OMC? Both are GM motors.

 

[wrench 3]

The long block will work but all most everything else will have to be switched from your old engine.
Make sure that your exhaust manifolds are OK.

 

[Johnson150]

The manifolds have cracks in them, so I pressurized them and used test balls in the ends to make sure they was not cracked into the exhaust ports. I plan on pre heating and tig welding using ni-rods to repair the cracks. So, your saying that it would fit right in, using the old exhaust and electrical components. that would be great, because I can probably get the whole boat for under 500

 

[wrench 3]

Also need to reuse mechanical components, bell housing, engine mounts, drive coupler and maybe the intake manifold.
A nickle rod with pre heat should do the job. Nice to have the right equipment.

 

[Johnson150]

Hey I appreciate it and the info.

 

[Scott Danforth]

buy new manifolds - they are a maintenacne item, and trying to repair cracked ones is a good way to a wrecked motor.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Scott is Right,....

You can weld outside cracks, but not inside cracks,....

Trash the old manifolds, 'n get new,....

Not the Merc manifolds though, they won't line up properly,...

Only the Long Blocks are the same,...