5.0 upgrades?

[monterey242]

Hey all,

So I have a 1998 monterey 242 pocket cruiser with a (220hp) 5.0 2v carb and a bravo-3 with 22" pitch duo props. Given the boats weight (5000lbs), it simply doesn't have enough get-up-and-go.

What can I do to improve performance?

I'm thinking of a edlebrock performer RPM intake and 4bbl carb? Are there better options?

Thanks in Advance!!!

 

[MEATBALL0309]

Re: 5.0 upgrades?

is motor swap out of the question? that is going to be the best solution.

 

[jkust]

Re: 5.0 upgrades?

You can drop a 5.7 in it and sell the 5.0. That must be a severely underpowered set up loaded with fuel, gear, people, etc. Economically speaking there isn't much you can do with a marine 5.0 to add significant power without spending huge money. If I was left without that option, I'd try a lower pitch prop. This question has been asked dozens of times and the 4bbl, intake won't give you what it sounds like you are looking for given how heavy you are.

 

[mkast]

Re: 5.0 upgrades?

Are there better options?

Sell that boat.
The rule of thumb is 1 mile per hour per 10 horsepower added.
Read on a web page, if you send that boat to a shop, average is $150 per horsepower, how much get up and go do you want?

 

[redjmp]

Re: 5.0 upgrades?

Don't forget to add the vortec heads as well. The 4 bbl, mani and heads will give you maybe 50 or so extra ponies.
You can always go thru hull exhaust as well in which case you won't have reversion problems so you could use a much beefier cam and more aggressive 4bbl and mani.
That and a lower pitch prop should fix ya.

I have the 1409 carb, heads and mani if from an unfinished project if you are interested...

 

[monterey242]

Re: 5.0 upgrades?

Sell that boat.
The rule of thumb is 1 mile per hour per 10 horsepower added.
Read on a web page, if you send that boat to a shop, average is $150 per horsepower, how much get up and go do you want?

I can't sell the boat. I love it too much

I figured I might get 20HP from a intake/carb setup. I'm not worried about top end as the boat will do a modest 45mph. That's good enough. Its the holeshot i'm more interested in. I'm thinking a 4bbl will have better throttle response and better punch when cruising, but yes, I know it will be nothing dramatic but hopefully noticable...

 

[monterey242]

Re: 5.0 upgrades?

Don't forget to add the vortec heads as well. The 4 bbl, mani and heads will give you maybe 50 or so extra ponies.
You can always go thru hull exhaust as well in which case you won't have reversion problems so you could use a much beefier cam and more aggressive 4bbl and mani.
That and a lower pitch prop should fix ya.

I have the 1409 carb, heads and mani if from an unfinished project if you are interested...

What is the 1409 carb? Can you provide a link with the specs?
Are you sure the intake will fit? Is it the 8 or 12 bolt mani?
Tell me why the heads are better than what I have? simply better flow? tumble vs. swirl port? etc...
Then lets talk prices both itemized and together...

 

[Bondo]

Re: 5.0 upgrades?

Then lets talk prices both itemized and together...

Ayuh,... Do it in private messages,...

Not the open forum,...
It's against the Rules...

 

[monterey242]

Re: 5.0 upgrades?

Ayuh,... Do it in private messages,...

Not the open forum,...
It's against the Rules...

yep. that's what I meant...

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: 5.0 upgrades?

is motor swap out of the question? that is going to be the best solution.

Ding ding ding, we have a winner! Best upgrade for a 5.0 is a 5.7!

 

[Pete104]

Re: 5.0 upgrades?

Have you investigated gear ratio's? Do you know what gear ratio you even have?

 

[monterey242]

Re: 5.0 upgrades?

Ding ding ding, we have a winner! Best upgrade for a 5.0 is a 5.7!

I wish that was in the cards (or better yet a 383 stroker), but I have very little to spend on her as I've already burned well over 2 grand on a swim platform and other goodies... But a complete motor swap is off the table for now...

 

[monterey242]

Re: 5.0 upgrades?

Have you investigated gear ratio's? Do you know what gear ratio you even have?

I've never investigated, I have no idea as to how to go about it... and nope, I haven't a clue as to what ratio it is currently...

 

[Pete104]

Re: 5.0 upgrades?

You can call Monterey customer service & they can give you an idea of which way to go. You will need your HID for them to tell what was installed originally. If that don't get anywhere call Mercury on the consumer line, but have ALL of serial #'s in front of you! Engine, Drive & transom assy along with the HID (hull #)! If you bought used from private, wouldn't hurt to have thier name as well!

 

[monterey242]

Re: 5.0 upgrades?

You can call Monterey customer service & they can give you an idea of which way to go. You will need your HID for them to tell what was installed originally. If that don't get anywhere call Mercury on the consumer line, but have ALL of serial #'s in front of you! Engine, Drive & transom assy along with the HID (hull #)! If you bought used from private, wouldn't hurt to have thier name as well!

thanks Pete. thanks all...

 

[jkust]

Re: 5.0 upgrades?

Don't forget to add the vortec heads as well. The 4 bbl, mani and heads will give you maybe 50 or so extra ponies.
YThat and a lower pitch prop should fix ya.

]=...

If it is a 1998, won't it already have vortec heads?

 

[monterey242]

Re: 5.0 upgrades?

If it is a 1998, won't it already have vortec heads?

good point. anyone. I do know its the 8 bolt intake as well

 

[jkust]

Re: 5.0 upgrades?

good point. anyone. I do know its the 8 bolt intake as well

Monterey that was my polite way to say a 1998 does have vortec heads unless the engine was replaced with a pre 1996 vortec model. The non vortec guys that do the vortec head upgrade plus the 4bbl get a decent value for the $ but your 305 is generally regarded as a relatively ho hum engine with little modification options on a budget. A 270 hp mpi 5.0 from say 2002 on up is a different story. A 5.7 like some have mentioned brings you into an entirely different ballgame. Many of us find ourselves in a similar situation with the easiest and most cost effective option sometimes being another boat. My current sig boat had optional power being the 5.0 MPI with 270hp and I only have the basic 190hp carb engine. My solution is to stay of Chaparrals with the upgraded engine and stay ignorant.

 

[redjmp]

Re: 5.0 upgrades?

I would think that you have the vortec heads already. If you have only 8 vertical manifold bolts then its a vortec.

Sounds to me like you are very under powered as I have a 5.0 in a 3000lb 19'er and its just enough.

Well when its time to re-power, definitely get the 5.7 or even a 383 stroker, but when you do, there'd be no point in putting your old 2 bbl and manifold on, you want the most power you get easily get so that means 4bbl.

Unless you have deep pockets and can afford nice fuel injection.

In the short term, just doing the carb and manifold might tide you over....

Are you running fresh or raw water cooling?

How does your carb and manifold look?
Maybe theres some resale value there?

btw you've got mail

Now I have included some pics of the components
needed if you were considering doing this on an older pre vortec 5.0L which includes the "059" vortec heads.
I sussed out the total cost for this conversion as about $1000 give or take plus the cost of:
Not shown:
Throttle bracket
Fuel line
Spark arrestor
Gasket set

Not that I am asking that, just as a counterpoint to rapido's $1400 block and heads.

And no, you cant use 5.0L heads on a 5.7...at least not for long on a marine engine lol...

 

[Mike220]

Re: 5.0 upgrades?

A 98 should be a Vortec. However, my in my 98 they used a leftover 97 that is a non-vortec. I also have an 8 bolt intake manifold but the center bolts are canted at an angle not vertical...

You said your boat will do 45mph. What is your WOT rpm? You may just need to reprop.