Looking for the right engine...

[nightshark14]

I have 1980 Sea Ox 230c that I'm repowering. It had a Merc 470 that has already been removed. The hull, transom, deck and engine compartment are all solid. Im looking for a compairable engine in size, weight and performance. I plan on replacing the old outdrive as well. I was told that a new Merc 3.0 would be about the right engine. What do you think? Any ideas or advice would be appreciated. (I'm not an engine guy)

Thanks, Brad

 

[achris]

Re: Looking for the right engine...

470 made 170hp, the 3.0l makes 135hp... You do the numbers ... The only engine that makes about the same as the 470 is a newer V6, but they are considerably wider (no surprise there I guess)... If you have the room to widen the engine cover it's worth the change, and you can still use the same drive (ratios are the same)....

Chris.............

 

[nightshark14]

Re: Looking for the right engine...

Ill look into the size differences. I wouldnt mind having a v6, im just not sure if it'll fit. What are your thoughts on an outboard conversion? Anyone? It would clear a lot of deck space, but I know there would be alot of glass work with it. And i'm not sure how the weight shift would effect the transom and performance of the boat.

 

[achris]

Re: Looking for the right engine...

Never seen an Outboard conversion that anyone was happy with yet... (I'll just run for cover while the nay-sayers descend... )

 

[nightshark14]

Re: Looking for the right engine...

So your saying screw the outboard idea and make the v6 fit? I looked up the dimensions of the 4.3 and I wouldn't have to make the compartment much bigger. Looking at it now i'm sure the I/O replacement will be cheaper than a outboard.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Looking for the right engine...

So your saying screw the outboard idea and make the v6 fit? I looked up the dimensions of the 4.3 and I wouldn't have to make the compartment much bigger. Looking at it now i'm sure the I/O replacement will be cheaper than a outboard.

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,... I agree with Chris,..

I've seen a dozen outboard conversions, 'n None of the owners were Happy, in the end...

 

[nightshark14]

Re: Looking for the right engine...

what are your thoughts on the merc 3.0? i know it has less hp but the 470 got that boat topped out at 42 on the gps. do you really think i.d have issues with power? i'm not looking for any race wins. i think if the 470 did that well, the 3.0 would do the job i need it to. thoughts?

 

[bcbit01]

Re: Looking for the right engine...

Thumbs down on the outboard. Huge hole (fixed or not) in transom? Never a good idea. Any way you go besides another inline 4 (less power than your current unit), you're likely going to modify something (box, jump seats, deck, etc.) to make it fit. I have a Merc 165 L6 (marinized Chevy 250 straight six) in our Sea Ray 185/187. 165hp and loads of torque. Bulletproof, easy to work on, lots of room since its narrow. It will be longer...but its a better match. Modifying for a V6 will leave you with rear seats that are 12" wide. LOL.