Hi guys, I am trying to do a budget build here and not looking for monster power gains here but trying to swap my V6 for a V8 with minimal problems, biggest reason for the swap is I really like the V8 sound.
My boat is a small 16'3" Starline (similar to checkmate). It has a 4.3L merc and an alpha 1 geared 1.84:1 and currently running an aluminum 19* prop, with the thru hull exhaust. While the 4.3 moves pretty good at around 42-45 mph @ 4400 rpms, I just hate the sound of the V6 wide open. Now I have my chance at getting a 1971 Chevy 307 V8 for cheap, I understand these were low power engines (200hp & 300 ft/lbs tq @ 2400 rpms) Not too far off from the V6 (170hp). I will of course rebuild the V8 and get some exhaust manifolds and possibly risers, along with a nice sounding marine cam, but would there be any reason this would be a bad idea? Would I HAVE to regear the alpha 1?
My boat is a small 16'3" Starline (similar to checkmate). It has a 4.3L merc and an alpha 1 geared 1.84:1 and currently running an aluminum 19* prop, with the thru hull exhaust. While the 4.3 moves pretty good at around 42-45 mph @ 4400 rpms, I just hate the sound of the V6 wide open. Now I have my chance at getting a 1971 Chevy 307 V8 for cheap, I understand these were low power engines (200hp & 300 ft/lbs tq @ 2400 rpms) Not too far off from the V6 (170hp). I will of course rebuild the V8 and get some exhaust manifolds and possibly risers, along with a nice sounding marine cam, but would there be any reason this would be a bad idea? Would I HAVE to regear the alpha 1?
