US Engine ???

[Raypex]

Hi all,
I have to replace the engine in my boat. ('89 Searay 220 OV Cuddy)
I've read alot of good things here about Rapid-o Marine. And this looks like a good option.
I also found US Engine Inc and see they offer a 4.3 replacement claiming 50 more horses and a 7yr warranty and a bonus of +25% fuel efficiency. The price is about $500 more plus core (mine is cracked and probably unacceptable).
My biggest concern when I bought my boat was the engine size seemed a little small for a 22 foot, 3500lb (dry) boat.
I am not afraid to spend a few extra dollars if it pays back in smiles and fuel savings but budget is a concern.
Anybody have experience with US Engine and are their claims true?
What would you do?
I will be using original drive Alpha one Gen 1, 1.84:1 ratio.
Thanks!

 

[QC]

Re: US Engine ???

I also found US Engine Inc and see they offer a 4.3 replacement claiming 50 more horses and a 7yr warranty and a bonus of +25% fuel efficiency.

Power and efficiency benefits compared to what? Do they provide the fuel system too? CARB or MPI? Power, maybe. Efficiency, no way.

 

[Bondo]

Re: US Engine ???

Originally Posted by Raypex
I also found US Engine Inc and see they offer a 4.3 replacement claiming 50 more horses and a 7yr warranty and a bonus of +25% fuel efficiency.

Power and efficiency benefits compared to what? Do they provide the fuel system too? CARB or MPI? Power, maybe. Efficiency, no way.

Ayuh,... This same question just came up within the last week or so....

They make the Claim, with No back-up Info....

search back a few pages in this forum, 'n you'll probably find the thread...

 

[Raypex]

Re: US Engine ???

It is A Long block replacement. All my bolt-ons. The increase claim is from internal parts only and somehow the price diff from standard HP to +50 HP is $100. The motor I'm looking at is for 1980 - 1989. http://www.usenginesinc.com/Marine-...-Engine.html?gclid=CM_G6JXGiakCFRUq2godlVATqg. So I have to assume it's carburated because no mods are required. And comparison is to stock set up (205HP). They also claim 25 ft. lbs. torque increase.

 

[Raypex]

Re: US Engine ???

Ayuh,... This same question just came up within the last week or so....

They make the Claim, with No back-up Info....

search back a few pages in this forum, 'n you'll probably find the thread...

Ayuh, Bond-o,
Thanks, I will look for the thread!

 

[scutly]

Re: US Engine ???

so for a extra $300 the install a different cam? different heads with bigger valves? im NOT a engine builder by any means, just tryin to figure out like you what they do to get 50 more HP.

 

[QC]

Re: US Engine ???

That website is f'n Goofy . . .

 

[Raypex]

Re: US Engine ???

Quote: Bond-o:Ayuh,... This same question just came up within the last week or so....

They make the Claim, with No back-up Info....

search back a few pages in this forum, 'n you'll probably find the thread...

I found the thread, No definitive answers there. Maybe, I need to use the old rule "If it seems to be too good to be true, it probably is!"

The members here have given me great advice so far and if I cannot get a testimonial here for US Engine, I think it's best to use Rapid-o.


Oh,yeah, to add to my dilema. US Engine does have a A+ rating with the BBB and seems to generally get good reviews from around the web.
Thanks guys!
Ray

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: US Engine ???

Don't know how your gonna get a 25% increse in economy at 50 extra horses???
Or will it increase the usage by 25%??? )

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: US Engine ???

A couple of years ago I installed one of their 3.0L long blocks in a Bayliner. Good little engine, ran perfect, yada yada.....

I would like to install one of their 454's in my boat (the one that burns less fuel, makes more power etc)

When I'm ready to do it, I am going to ask them for the DYNO results on the one they're talkng about.....

 

[Raypex]

Re: US Engine ???

After A phone conversation, This is what I've got figured out.
1: They use a larger cam (large as possible I think)
2: They do some Head work. Over size valves. (they only sell Long Blocks)
3: Pistons are changed from 9:1 to 9.5:1 comp ratio
They claim my HP rating will change from 205 to 240. Not 50HP but a significant improvement.

These mods supposedly increase torque significantly and therefore require less throttle. Hence the fuel savings.
All on 87 octane
With a 7yr warranty (about same stipulations as most rebuilders I've checked)
And they have an A+ Better Business rating (I think Rapido's is B+)
Still undecided... It's gonna cost $900 more than Rapid-o.
Opinions Welcome.

 

[sschefer]

Re: US Engine ???

Before you go with a long block check out the prices on a new GM Marine or Kodiak motor. It'll suprise you how little the difference is to get a lot better technology and piece of mind. For what it's worth, US Engine has a decent reputation. Keep in mind, a lot of the complaints they get are from inexperienced engine builders.

 

[Pete104]

Re: US Engine ???

I've really wanted to jump in here but didn't because I was really unsure myself. While I still don't know if the claim 25% better ecenomy is accurate, I DO know that they are "Stand up people"!
short version; repowering an '89 Celebrity 22'. Take the original 350 mag & install the 350hp/stroker. Did some other updates & blah-blah. Well, we wound up having an issue. A couple of phone calls & e-mails, the motor was going back! I did the work, what are they going to blame on me and so on! It left 5/17/11 and I picked it up today. 6/1/11. Unloaded & unboxed it, pull the the dipstick. Hook up battery & gas, light it up 3000rpm right now, run the R's up & down 5 or 7 seconds. Totally different than when I returned it.
My original complaint was that, it had strong vibration. Told me a couple of things to do/try. Didn't improve & boom, OK we'll pick it up & send it back smooth! They did. Evidentally, the crank had missed a step in manuf, or wrong box or ?, I'll never know! Paperwork states everything I put here!
I have alot of respect them, they treat you the way people should treated!

I will touch back on the "economy"!

 

[rad28]

Re: US Engine ???

I have been reading the opinions of many mechanics on various web sites in preparation for when I will need to replace my Chev 350. Many different cam specs are suggested, combined with different heads, bores, piston types, stoke length and on and on. The accepted authority seems to be Dennis Moore's book "Small Block Chevy Marine Performance" (out of print and hard to find).

There is no way that I have the knowledge or experience to be able to choose intelligently from the infinite list of possibilities when having an engine rebuilt. But, a mechanic and disciple of Moore's book has worked with Michigan Motors to design a build combination that combines what they feel is the best marine engine for performance and longevity.

When I need to buy an engine, that particular rebuild is the engine that I will buy even though US Engine is just down the street.

 

[Raypex]

Re: US Engine ???

Well, The decision has been made.
And the winner is........
U S Engine.
From my original post, in the running was Rapid-o and U.S. I also checked out Kodiak, Superior, Jasper, and countless other calls and web views.
I chose U.S. Engine because good BBB ratings and reviews, very helpful on the phone (not pushy), and warranty.
I did not choose the other because, I had my brother who is a mechanic call to ask some questions. He spoke to Raul and reported back to me that Raul was very short, seemed very annoyed by the questions, and had the attitude that he had no reason to provide answers. Raul's portion of the phone conversation was basically, "Just buy it! It's a good price!" and "quit bothering me with questions, I'm too busy to help"
I really expected more from the posts here about Rapid-o and was not about to spend my money there!
I am not a basher and maybe we caught Raul at a bad time. Hopefully this was an isolated incident. But this time.... NO SALE
Thanks to all for input!

 

[Raystownboater]

Re: US Engine ???

He spoke to Raul and reported back to me that Raul was very short, seemed very annoyed by the questions, and had the attitude that he had no reason to provide answers. Raul's portion of the phone conversation was basically, "Just buy it! It's a good price!" and "quit bothering me with questions, I'm too busy to help"
I really expected more from the posts here about Rapid-o and was not about to spend my money there!
I am not a basher and maybe we caught Raul at a bad time. Hopefully this was an isolated incident. But this time.... NO SALE
Thanks to all for input!

I have one of Rapido's engines and have dealt with Raul. Dont be too quick to judge him, he does good work and is actually overwhelmed. I do agree that he lacks a great deal in the customer service department but he stands behind his engines, and makes up for it with his no questions asked warranty and willingness to help after the sale. With that said, I have also heard very good things about US engine so it looks like you ultimately make a great choice. Good luck!

 

[Pete104]

Re: US Engine ???

Posted earlier about a "stroker" that had issues from US Engine. I crated the motor complete, turn key, ready to drop in. At their request! Turned out that crank was out of balance. (vendor issue since we ordered a short block) Installed new crank & they tested it. And tested a second time, gave a clean bill of health & sent it back. Down time 2 weeks. Expense, material to crate a fully dressed engine.
Engine runs strong & smooth. First oil change was 6/5/11 @ 11 hrs. Now has 27hrs. & everything is great!

US Engine is truly american made!!

 

[Raypex]

Re: US Engine ???

time to add to story...

Order and delivery of engine from US went smoothly. The big challenge I had to overcome was coordinating the install between me and my mechanic/brother's free time to work on it.
After what seemed like forever, to get a few hours here and there, the engine has been assembled and installed.
After the initial start with cam break-in and timing set, engine starts and idles well. However, there is alot of clakety-klak from the starboard rocker cover. The rockers were supposed to not need adjusting but no big deal. Pull cover and start adjusting ...
PROBLEM!
Not much oil coming thru pushrods!
Port side is pumping plenty of oil. Starboard bank, not much at all.
So, after some phone calls and back and forth. The engine has been pulled back out, crated, and is being shipped (complete) back to Washington for hopefully a quick and successful turn-around!
Will post more as story unfolds.
Ray

 

[skargo]

Re: US Engine ???

Sorry to hear that, I hope they make good for you!

 

[Raypex]

Re: US Engine ???

Sorry to hear that, I hope they make good for you!

thanks skargo.
I chose them because of their reputation and ratings. Now let's see if those hold up to the test.
I expect minimal problems because they hopefully want to maintain their status!
It is out of my hands and all I can do is try to stay positive. Otherwise, I'll go crazy (crazier).