What's the difference between 4.3L and LX

[63 Nova]

What's the difference between the 4.3L and 4.3LX in an '89 Searay? I already know the L is 175 hp and the LX is 205hp but what makes that 30 extra hp? It's not displacement so it's got to be something like heads and intake setup. Does anyone know for sure? Please tell me so I can look at possibly upgrading if it's possible.

 

[Bondo]

Re: What's the difference between 4.3L and LX

4bbl. Carb.......

 

[achris]

Re: What's the difference between 4.3L and LX

Heads, cam, crank, rods, valves, water pump, pistons, sump pan..... all the same. Only difference is 2 more holes for gas to get in......

 

[63 Nova]

Re: What's the difference between 4.3L and LX

Hey thanks guys that's what I thought, A buddy just bought a 95 Bayliner with the 4.3LX and get about 50mph out of it, my 4.3L will do 42 mph wide open. Is it worth the extra cost for that 8mph. Does it help or hurt fuel mileage overall? Some autos actuall see an increase in mileage when swapping to 4V. Any opinions on this?

 

[xltier]

Re: What's the difference between 4.3L and LX

u will get better fuel mileage while running on the front 2 barrels.cause there smaller.but once u open up the secondarys its let flushing the toilet.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: What's the difference between 4.3L and LX

63 Nova is that your car?<br /><br />At any rate marine four barrel carbs are costy.I priced a 1995 one today and it was $812.Another one was $680.So it does depend on your motor. In addition,the four barrel needs its own intake manifold.Just checked one...$650<br />DHP

 

[xsnrg]

Re: What's the difference between 4.3L and LX

sounds like alot of money for 8mph.Think of all the gas you can buy for the price of the conversion.If it aint broke dont fix it.Unless your fortune enough not to have to worry about money ;^)<br /><br />PS:was the 4.3L a 185MR and the 4.3LX a 205MR?The rated hp for those engines is 185/205.

 

[Bondo]

Re: What's the difference between 4.3L and LX

Manifolds on ebay........ Under $100.00.....<br />Edlebrock Marine Proformer Carbs...... About $300.00........<br />Used Mercruiser/Weber carb on ebay..... Bought mine for Under $100.00........

 

[hondon]

Re: What's the difference between 4.3L and LX

I'd be looking at proping first and the difference in how you use your boats.Are you getting adequate trim from the limiter? They can fail you know.You are thinking of this upgrade on a BAYLINER?

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: What's the difference between 4.3L and LX

XS---a lot more to speed than just horsepower. The Bayliner you are comparing to is a lot newer hull design and a lot lighter than an 89 Sea Ray.<br />Sea Ray is one of the heavier runabouts.<br /><br />A stainless steel prop will get you about 5 mph---available on ebay if you are patient. I bought a Merc OEM Laser 2 for $150.<br /><br />Start there, get your max RPM, then mess with the motor if you are still wanting more.

 

[Bondo]

Re: What's the difference between 4.3L and LX

dd,<br />Did you ever sort out that Torque-Shift Prop...........<br />I "Polished" the Tips of the Blades on mine, up at my place in Maine last spring......<br />Of the 2 "Spares" I bought last winter, on ebay,<br />I pulled 1 out,+ Set the Screws at the face of the hub..........<br />Then Bolted it on......<br />It Shifts much Smoother than the other 1..... Course, I didn't install the Heavy Springs......<br />I've still got to Steepen the pitch a little more.... WOTs at 5000rpms.....<br />I want to get it back to 47/4800rpms.......<br /><br />I Bet a Torque-Shift would really Wake-Up an 89 Sea Ray...............

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: What's the difference between 4.3L and LX

Bondo----I have been running the Torque Shift off and on. Got a little vibration and I think I need to balance the blades. How did you do yours? The springs and pitch are just right on mine.<br /><br />I use it whenever we are pulling anything----the motor loves it.<br /><br />For just smooth cruising though, it is hard to beat the 23-pitch Laser 2 on my rig----just got to have a little patience.<br /><br />Sometimes I want that smooth ride, and sometimes you just want to bang it and go, if you know what I mean.

 

[Bondo]

Re: What's the difference between 4.3L and LX

I've Set the adjusting screws even with the inside surface of the hub to start,<br />Then Count the Turns, in, or more likely Out......<br />Even With the L&S Pitch Gauge, It's Tough to Time it Perfectly........<br />This 1 Doesn't vibrate At All..... 'Course, The Other 1 Didn't Either..<br />Till I Ran Aground..................... <br />

and sometimes you just want to bang it and go, if you know what I mean.

The Big Block Acceleration,<br />From my little 4.3LX........ Ayah,... I Know what you Mean........

 

[lahiggs]

Re: What's the difference between 4.3L and LX

What exactly makes more acceleration and speed available by switching to a stainless steel prop? I have a 1987 Citation 190XLS w/ 175hp 4.3. The prop now is 14x19. Top speed around 42 -43 mph with a great holeshot. How much difference (better/worse) would it cause to bump it up to a 14x21?

 

[180shabah]

Re: What's the difference between 4.3L and LX

SS is much stronger than Aluminum, so the blades can be thinnner making the prop more efficient in the water.

AS to increasing your pitch 2", I couldn't tell you exactly. What is you WOT RPM? You may not have the power to turn a 21", or if you are underpropped now, it could help.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: What's the difference between 4.3L and LX

This post is 3.5 years old, I guessin' he has solved it by now......​

 

[180shabah]

Re: What's the difference between 4.3L and LX

DANG!!! Now I'm doin' it.


I got sucked in by a link from another post "Identifying 4.3L v6 engine and one stray wire"