Best option for 4.3 merc replacement

[a91civic]

oops, Repost accidently put in the outboard forum...<br /><br />1986 Real Sebring, 4.3l Mercruiser, Alpha 1<br /><br />So it appears that the block is cracked, it happens...<br /><br />I am wondering what differant options there are for me, in terms of what to replace, and cost. would it be possible with minor addition of parts. to use a mid 90's 4.3l vortec or non vortec truck engine? (used less then $500?) and replace some internals from the mercruiser I have now???<br /><br />I am about finished with the interior and exterior restoration (Whew!) So if there are cheaper options then a full mercruiser long block that would be helpful (still have to buy exhaust manifolds...) <br /><br />Any and as much info as possible would be most helpful...<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: Best option for 4.3 merc replacement

would it be possible with minor addition of parts. to use a mid 90's 4.3l vortec or non vortec truck engine? (used less then $500?) and replace some internals from the mercruiser I have now???

Well,.......... Anything is Possible,...... If you're willing to Throw Enough Money at it...........<br /><br />Your motor is a 1986,..... There were Changes in 1987,....<br /> <br />The Easiest Swap is to drop in another 1986 motor,.... Using All of your Mercruiser Externals.......<br />The Internals will run Just Fine,.. If you're using a Truck Motor as a Core Block......<br /><br />Updating to a Vortec will Require a New Intake manifold,+ Heads,.......<br /><br />Using a Block Newer than the 1 you have,.. Will Require some Mixing,+ Matching of the Flywheels,+ Couplers to get everything to bolt up Properly...........

 

[KaGee]

Re: Best option for 4.3 merc replacement

In addition to what Bondo said, later 4.3's used an electric fuel pump. The orifice where your current mechanical pump mounts is not there. So you will have to take that into account in your added cost to modifying.<br /><br />If $$ are a concern, an '85 or '86 truck block from the junk yard would be the way to go. You could use an auto block, but you have to swap the cam with the one out of your old Merc block.