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Engine Swap
- Thread starter machone
- Start date
karzrus
Well-known member
At least one or two members here have done a switch like that with a diplomat(one was a 383-V8 swap I think). Hopefully one of them will see the thread and tell you what they did.
But it's very close to the same money to put a V8 in and a better choice.
In a boat you rarely(never) have too much power, and if you drive it the same as the four or six you would get the same fuel consumption.
As it's an older boat I would look for a wrecked boat to strip the complete motor/leg and controls out of(this would be the most cost effective way to do it). The Merc 5.0 or 5.7(prefered) set ups will have alpha legs so the transom hole will match up/the gear ratio will be right and getting manifolds and everything else will save big dollars.
Good luck
Rob
But it's very close to the same money to put a V8 in and a better choice.
In a boat you rarely(never) have too much power, and if you drive it the same as the four or six you would get the same fuel consumption.
As it's an older boat I would look for a wrecked boat to strip the complete motor/leg and controls out of(this would be the most cost effective way to do it). The Merc 5.0 or 5.7(prefered) set ups will have alpha legs so the transom hole will match up/the gear ratio will be right and getting manifolds and everything else will save big dollars.
Good luck
Rob
boatman4021
Well-known member
If I remember correctly, that is a pretty tough swap. The 4 banger mounts in the front and the V engines of the side which makes the stringer layout a little different. Others on here will know more.
um... way different stringers, you'de have some significant glass work to do, but if you got a complete v6 or v8 from a donor boat, it would fit no problem.
You'de need an upper outdrive from a v6 or a v8, but I believe the rest of your transom assembly would work fine.
it will likely be just as easy to find a 350 as a 4.3... the bottom line is that it will very likely cost a good bit to do no matter how you look at it, and will be a lot of work. Unless you really want a project / learning experience, if your boat runs well he way it is, I might enjoy it and look for something faster to start with...
and I'm the poster child for over doing pretty much everything... ;-)
You'de need an upper outdrive from a v6 or a v8, but I believe the rest of your transom assembly would work fine.
it will likely be just as easy to find a 350 as a 4.3... the bottom line is that it will very likely cost a good bit to do no matter how you look at it, and will be a lot of work. Unless you really want a project / learning experience, if your boat runs well he way it is, I might enjoy it and look for something faster to start with...
and I'm the poster child for over doing pretty much everything... ;-)
machone
Member
Thanks guys. Actually was having some engine issues and I thought if it was an easy swap to a V6 I'd do it. It does 45mph with the 4 banger (by GPS) which really isn't THAT bad (I know, I'm a speed freak too, but...) but I want it to get out of the hole a little quicker. If I change the prop, I'll lose top end. So I think what I'll do is throw a bigger cam in to give me a little more torque. So, with that said, anyone know of a good deal on a fresh 3.0? I'll pull the old one & play with it, need something to throw in quick though. Thanks!