mercruiser 3.0 performance, pros and cons, what can I expect?

[fishrdan]

Re: mercruiser 3.0 performance, pros and cons, what can I expect?

I've always wondered if they make aftermarket rocker arms with a different ratio to provide extra lift for this motor?

3.0's use 1.75:1 rockers (if memory serves right) so I don't think you could get a higher ratio, or find a cheap roller rocker in that ratio.

 

[saltybutwet]

Re: mercruiser 3.0 performance, pros and cons, what can I expect?

I am thinking about adding a NOS bottle, lol jk...I will see what I got once she is water ready

looking forward to that day

 

[Walt T]

Re: mercruiser 3.0 performance, pros and cons, what can I expect?

Small add ons like rockers, cam, intake, exhaust are pointless. Money for nuthin. I have had small boats with 140 Mercs, they pulled skiers [not iboats friendly]. All day on a tank of gas.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: mercruiser 3.0 performance, pros and cons, what can I expect?

Walt, were these your 450# girls you mentioned prior?

 

[theoldwizard1]

Re: mercruiser 3.0 performance, pros and cons, what can I expect?

3.0's use 1.75:1 rockers (if memory serves right) so I don't think you could get a higher ratio, ...

Swapping in a higher ratio rocker ON ANY ENGINE, without checking piston to valve clearance is asking for a problem !

IMHO, look for another boat with a 4.3L and rotten floor and stringers.

 

[saltybutwet]

Re: mercruiser 3.0 performance, pros and cons, what can I expect?

Thanks for the comments
I have been doing a lot of searching, and most folks that run the Mercruiser 3.0 are happy with it, some not. That is to be expected, for me i love the big block v8s with through hull exhaust. I would have one, one day, but only when i can afford the fuelfor it.

So for now i will continue with this project, get the bugs worked out, and enjoy...

 

[sweet addiction]

Re: mercruiser 3.0 performance, pros and cons, what can I expect?

Take this for what you will. I have a '94 3.0LX that does 50 mph(on GPS) with a 21.25 X 23 stainless prop. But keep in mind the vast amount of variables.

 

[saltybutwet]

Re: mercruiser 3.0 performance, pros and cons, what can I expect?

Take this for what you will. I have a '94 3.0LX that does 50 mph(on GPS) with a 21.25 X 23 stainless prop. But keep in mind the vast amount of variables.

Thanks!
Yes no 450lb single drunk girlfriends, don't carry the 2 sandwiches, use a paper cooler for cold foods and drinks, only 1/2 tank of fuel, calm water, properly tuned engine ect, ect.......
Lol

But seriously, i hope it works out well, if not, then i will decide on what to do from that point

 

[sweet addiction]

Re: mercruiser 3.0 performance, pros and cons, what can I expect?

The bottom line is that they are great motors. Get some time with it on the water, and you will figure out what you have and if you can make it work for YOUR situation.

 

[saltybutwet]

Re: mercruiser 3.0 performance, pros and cons, what can I expect?

The bottom line is that they are great motors. Get some time with it on the water, and you will figure out what you have and if you can make it work for YOUR situation.

yes, I understand, and are looking forward to the first maiden voyage with me in it

 

[fishrdan]

Re: mercruiser 3.0 performance, pros and cons, what can I expect?

Swapping in a higher ratio rocker ON ANY ENGINE, without checking piston to valve clearance is asking for a problem !

I didn't suggest swapping rocker ratio's......:facepalm:

 

[MikDee]

Re: mercruiser 3.0 performance, pros and cons, what can I expect?

I didn't suggest swapping rocker ratio's......:facepalm:

I did! Checking for clearance at the valves, & covers, goes without saying!

Now, on another subject, maybe you can find, & use 4" exhaust elbows on this to pick up some extra power, if they're not 4" already, or if they even make them? Every little bit helps

 

[Fastatv]

Re: mercruiser 3.0 performance, pros and cons, what can I expect?

Hi Buck. I have a 17 footer with the 3.0 and I must say, I'm very impressed. I'm running a 19 pitch stainless three blade, a Mercruiser prop, and mine jumps out of the hole, has a top speed of 40, 41 with four adults on board, and is really inexpensive of fuel. I'm a V-8 guy myself, but for the money, I'm very pleased with the 3.0, hopefully you will be as well. Another note....this 3.0 is still in the line up for new boats...tried and true. Rick

 

[Stimulated!]

Re: mercruiser 3.0 performance, pros and cons, what can I expect?

Hi, I haven't read the whole thread, we have an 18ft Bowrider with the 3.0 mercruiser and it provides plenty enough power for everything we do including pulling wakeboarders from a tower, kneeboarders, tubing, just cruising. I'm not convinced of the benefits of getting anything bigger.

 

[saltybutwet]

Re: mercruiser 3.0 performance, pros and cons, what can I expect?

thanks for all the comments. I appreciate it.

It doesn't look like I am going to get this boat in the water anytime soon, engine gremlins still eating away at my time

keep the comments coming

 

[MikDee]

Re: mercruiser 3.0 performance, pros and cons, what can I expect?

Mercruiser makes a short rubber cone/tube type exhaust to mount on the transom plate, instead of the full exhaust bellow that goes from the plate to the drive. You can hear the engine a bit better then, and it's mellow, not loud at all. I mention this because I've used it on a boat I had, and you might get a bit more performance out of the 3.0?

 

[saltybutwet]

Re: mercruiser 3.0 performance, pros and cons, what can I expect?

Mercruiser makes a short rubber cone/tube type exhaust to mount on the transom plate, instead of the full exhaust bellow that goes from the plate to the drive. You can hear the engine a bit better then, and it's mellow, not loud at all. I mention this because I've used it on a boat I had, and you might get a bit more performance out of the 3.0?

thanks! I did not know that...The Mercruiser sounds really good, running out of the water, and on the ground, which I am doing until I find my Gremlin..lol

 

[MikDee]

Re: mercruiser 3.0 performance, pros and cons, what can I expect?

Here's a link that describes the exhaust tube:
http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser...ercruiser-exhaust-tube-vs-bellows-183457.html

 

[tinkerguy70]

Re: mercruiser 3.0 performance, pros and cons, what can I expect?

For what it's worth, I have a 17' bowrider with a 3.0 and it goes 35-40 with 4 adults and some kids no problem. I run a 14 1/2x19 prop on it and it pulls a two-person tube up and down the lake with no problems as well.
I find it a good balance between performance and economy.

 

[Yankeyspeed]

Re: mercruiser 3.0 performance, pros and cons, what can I expect?

Have you thought about getting another air filter and putting double the elements in? More air in....