down to the motor on first project...need some advice!

[mphatoni]

i am trying to decide what route to take on my engine. my boat originally had mercruiser 350 mag/alpha one..debating on another 350 or going to a 4.3. also wanting to know if i should stick with a marine engine or save a little and go with an auto engine. any advice is greatly appreciated!!

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: down to the motor on first project...need some advice!

the block and heads are the same as auto. usually 2-bolt engines. marine engines use marine specific cams, head gaskets, and brass core plugs in addition to the water cooled manifolds, marine carb and marine starter and alternator.

so, you can use an auto engine long block, just swap the cam, head gaskets, and core plugs.

why are you swapping engines?

 

[mphatoni]

Re: down to the motor on first project...need some advice!

the current one has a cracked block and heads...plan on swapping out long block and going from there

 

[kmarine]

Re: down to the motor on first project...need some advice!

I would stick with the 350 mag. not only will your hp be higher, you will have the correct gear ratio in the outdrive. The 5.7 is probably the most dependable engine in the industry. I recomend a long block crate motor The warrenty difference is well worth the extra investment. There are many reputable sources like doug russel , michigan motorz, and jasper marine to name only a few.

 

[mphatoni]

Re: down to the motor on first project...need some advice!

thank you

 

[bnicov]

Re: down to the motor on first project...need some advice!

Going from a 350 (5.7) to a 4.3??? I wouldn't even think about that, you definitely won't be happy with the result.Stick to a marine engine, it will work the way it is supposed to. Make sure you winterize it properly and cracked bits and pieces won't be a problem.

 

[mphatoni]

Re: down to the motor on first project...need some advice!

thanks for the input...