4.3L Upgrade to Vortec Setup

[Blue2Green]

As stated in my previous thread about my blank slate for upholstery, I also have a pretty blank slate as far as the power plant goes. My 1989 Four Winns Freedom 190 Project came with a 4.3L OMC Cobra rated at 175 HP. The block, intake manifold, and 1 head is cracked. So theoretically I have a blank slate to work with. I have found a few places that offer remanufactured long blocks for a good price ( the difference for Vortec/non-Vortec is minimal). And since I need to replace the intake as well, and the original Q-Jet Carb is old would it be worth the added expense to upgrade the set up to the Vortec? I know I will need use an electric fuel pump and such. but will I need to change anything in the outdrive? Is there anything else I need to do or to look for? I have'nt had the outdrive serviced or inspected yet so there is that possiblity for an Merc Conversion from SEI.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 4.3L Upgrade to Vortec Setup

Ayuh,... It should just take a set of heads, 'n intake manifold for the swap,...
It'll mean about 20hp...
You might need a bigger prop, but the outdrive won't care...

 

[Blue2Green]

Re: 4.3L Upgrade to Vortec Setup

Thanks for the input Bond-o, it is greatly appreciated. I may have to replace the entire motor.

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: 4.3L Upgrade to Vortec Setup

Since you are going with a new engine.. I am sure you will replace the exhaust manifolds.. Some of the new aftermarket ones will not fit the vortec heads.. If you go with vortec.. Make sure the exhaust manifolds you have will fit

 

[Blue2Green]

Re: 4.3L Upgrade to Vortec Setup

Since you are going with a new engine.. I am sure you will replace the exhaust manifolds.. Some of the new aftermarket ones will not fit the vortec heads.. If you go with vortec.. Make sure the exhaust manifolds you have will fit

Thanks for the info about the manifolds, I was unaware of that. I have the old OMC manifold and risers in 1 that no one manufactures replacements for. But ive sen Merc aftermarkets for a decent price. Would those work for my application?

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: 4.3L Upgrade to Vortec Setup

The fun of owning a OMC.:facepalm:.. These are what I put on mine this winter.. Was told by this forum to stay away from GLM so I did and spent the extra 2 billshttp://www.go2marine.com/product.do?no=153929F Ordered mine from ebay for 799. saved a bit

I don't have a Vortec engine and not looking to get one before I replace the boat so they was the best bet for me.. Very easy to install.. Comes with everything needed but the paint.. Only one hang up.. Notice it says not for use with Vortec.. I am sure they make some replacements that will hook up to the Vortec out there.. Merc and OMC.. Not the same folks.. They would have to be rigged up to work.. Could it be done.. I guess.. I saw a 11 sec Ford Pinto once..

Okay these guys should be able to help you get what you need to fit your rig up with a Vortec engine exhaust..
contact jack chamberlain at www.marineexhaustmanifolds.com
Seems this has been a popular issue and these guys have a solution.. Which is pretty much merc type manifolds and risers with a elbow kit to make it fit your y pipe.. Power of the internet

 

[Blue2Green]

Re: 4.3L Upgrade to Vortec Setup

Thanks for the link. I am sure there are vortec replacements out there. I need to search for them.

 

[Blue2Green]

Re: 4.3L Upgrade to Vortec Setup

I found this set on E-bay, it says OMC/Volvo 1992-2000. They dont say anything about non-vortec.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Volv...1484011QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: 4.3L Upgrade to Vortec Setup

same issue.. may have to rig em up to your y pipe.. There is a elbow and some hoses you will need.. Those are the vortec kind looks like to me.. For a Volvo.. Did you read my revision to my post above? I would contact them and ask some questions

 

[Blue2Green]

Re: 4.3L Upgrade to Vortec Setup

Thanks. That isnt a bad price for the kit.

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: 4.3L Upgrade to Vortec Setup

What? The one on flea bay? Seemed kinda pricey to me.. 800 bucks after it gets to your door? It's your wallet.. Found a engine yet?
You might wanta place ya a ad in CL.Be surprised how many people have a engine from a wreaked boat or something.. This is if you are looking to get a price on stuff.. Sometimes you can find a engine for spit on there.. Shop around for your manifolds.. get ya a power plant first.. Looks like you got plenty of work to get done if ya wanta get her splashed by July the 4th.

 

[Blue2Green]

Re: 4.3L Upgrade to Vortec Setup

I have an entire year+ before I schedule a splashdown. I am waiting til my toddler gets a bit older....just to be safe. Definately not in a hurry.

 

[Stanp1]

Re: 4.3L Upgrade to Vortec Setup

I did the conversion to an SEI on my 1989 4.3l OMC cobra. It's faily painless except for the shifting. You have to reverse the direction of the forward/reverse. Make sure you get the right gear ratio too. The cobra I had was a 1.64 ratio. The SEI came with a 1.81 ratio. That caused some headache re-proping the thing.

Last, follow the breakin instructions. Change the gear lube as required. I pulled the SEI off after a hard season of fishing off Cape May, NJ and all was clean and dry. I'd recommend you change the gimble bearing too.

 

[Blue2Green]

Re: 4.3L Upgrade to Vortec Setup

I did the conversion to an SEI on my 1989 4.3l OMC cobra. It's faily painless except for the shifting. You have to reverse the direction of the forward/reverse. Make sure you get the right gear ratio too. The cobra I had was a 1.64 ratio. The SEI came with a 1.81 ratio. That caused some headache re-proping the thing.

Last, follow the breakin instructions. Change the gear lube as required. I pulled the SEI off after a hard season of fishing off Cape May, NJ and all was clean and dry. I'd recommend you change the gimble bearing too.

Thank you for the heads up