Cracked Block on a 1984 4 Winns Horrizon 190, Chevy 229 3.8l

[Idaho Slim]

Hey Guys,
I have spent much time searching through forums and any other information I can get my hands on. I recently purchased a 1984 4 Winns horizon 190 with water in the oil. come to find out I found a JB Weld patch job on the front corner of the block. I changed the oil first thing and ran it with some earmuffs for 15 to 20 minutes. gained about 1 quart on my dipstick in that time. not looking too good at the moment. I think everything but the block is good. engine runs really strong. My options are pretty limited at this point. looking for some advice.

I've looked into small block and long block options for a direct replacement. cost ranging from 1200 to 1600 in parts. on the low end!

I am also wondering if the shortly after released 4.3l engine with the 2 piece rear main seal would work as a direct replacement? I would have to get a long block for sure, but I think my 4bl carb, exhaust manifolds, and accessories would fit right on. Am I wrong???

Just trying to get some options. I've heard some pretty bad thing about Chevy 229. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Scott Danforth]

welcome aboard.

a few things. a 1985 4.3 is a direct bolt in since that is the only year of 4.3 with a 2-piece RMS. however this is more rare than hens teeth

a 1986 and later 4.3 can work, however you have to make friends with your machine shop, buy the ford coupler and have it machined for the new flywheel pattern. there is no coupler available for the stringer drive that bolts on to the 1-piece RMS crank on the later motors so you have to have one made. a Ford coupler is about $200, machining will be about $150

you will need new manifolds, etc if you use the 4.3. skip the batwing manifolds and get a center riser / long elbow (update for the batwings)

or you can find a 1978-1984 229 V6 that may be running in a malibu or other G-body vehicles to find a running 229. you will need a marine cam, and marine head gaskets and brass core plugs

if you go small block, you need to re-gear the stringer drive.

 

[Idaho Slim]

Thanks for the reply. I found a couple sites that sell remanned short and long blocks for a somewhat decent price. I believe all other components besides bottom end are reusable. I might just tear it apart and inspect all components before going in a certain direction. I found a few junkyard engines that I can get shipped for around 800 but no guarantees what condition they're in.

 

[Scott Danforth]

go to car-part.com or find your local LKQ pull-a-part. running motors are about $300

 

[Idaho Slim]

Thanks Scott. I've done that already. nothing locally I can find. only option is to have them ship one sight unseen.