Merc. 4.5L replacement for GM 4.3?

[harringtondav]

I know I'm stretching this forum's DIY rules, but I'm curious if there are any experience based knowledge on Merc's. new 4.5L replacement for the GM 4.3L Vortec. I'm daydreaming about a replacement for my 22 yr. old solid 4.3 Vortec Gen II boat, but I see my choice is the Merc 4.5 or a GM big block, which I don't need or want. Any knowledge based opinions out there?

 

[Bt Doctur]

5.7 and 6.2 are also available

 

[achris]

Advantage of GM (4.3)... As a GM based engine, plenty of knowledge and engine parts are available from any GM supplier (at a much better price too )..
Advantages of the 4.5L Mercury built engine..... It's newer...

Cheers,

Chris.......

 

[GA_Boater]

Disadvantages of a 4.5 - All parts come from Merc. Not necessarily bad cuz it's new and shouldn't need major parts until the warranty expires.

BTW - No rule stretching by asking for opinions about a newish offering from Merc. We have a few current Merc techs onboard who may have experience servicing them.

 

[Scott Danforth]

the 4.5 is merc's in-house designed, cast, machined and assembled motor. they have a V8 coming too

if your simply repowering, there is also the merc refurb line as well as any number of new and refurb'd motor folk out there.

 

[harringtondav]

Disadvantages of a 4.5 - All parts come from Merc. Not necessarily bad cuz it's new and shouldn't need major parts until the warranty expires.

Yea, this is reassuring.:lol:. Merc's. new boat sterndrive warranty is one year. Up here in DBQ IA, we have a seven month season, if you're willing to start and end the season with coats and mittens. Merc's. crate engine warranty is two years, and I can't understand where that generous second year comes from.

 

[thumpar]

The side by side the 4.5l seems to compare pretty close but slightly better than a 5.0l. We will see how it turns out long term. The 3.7l seemed good on paper too. Hopefully they learned from that mess.