Vortec or not?

[tonyjh63]

I have a 1999 4.3 liter Mercruiser with a 2 bbl setup. Looking at 4 bbl setup from a 1995 Merc 4.3 LX. Will this work? I don't know when Merc started putting the Vortec heads on their engines (I assume it makes a differdnce).
Thanks for any info/advice!

 

[bruceb58]

GM started to put Vortec on their engines in 96. Probably didn't hit marine until 97.

 

[tonyjh63]

Thanks, bruceb58!

 

[Lou C]

Look at your intake manifold and count the bolts holding it to the cyl heads....
12 bolts = pre Vortec
8 bolts = Vortec

 

[Scott06]

O this won’t work . I’m assuming since you mention 4 bbl set up you are looking at swapping the intake and carb onto your 99 2 bbl engine? No the intake will not fit your later vortex heads, as outlined count the intake bolts.

 

[Lou C]

The Vortec intakes are easy to find you can get them new or used, I have a couple of spare pre Vortec ones I bought for my old pre Vortec 4.3. They can rust out if raw water cooled in salt water (right under the thermostat housing).

 

[Scott Danforth]

like others stated

you can use the carb from the 95, however need a vortec specific intake for your 1999 motor