5.7 Litre and 4.3LX Alpha One, is that original?
 

Hi guys,
I'm about to buy a Mariah boat.
In the outdrive says 5.7 Litre but the engine is 4.3LX.

OutDrive
http://picasaweb.google.com/AlexBeac...71928905208162

Engine
http://picasaweb.google.com/AlexBeac...71809135726930

It's that ok? should those values match?
I'm worried about somebody changing the outdrive for the incorrect one.
Thanks

Alex

Both motors are usually mated to an Alpha drive, so my guess is either

A) The outdrive was replaced with a salvage one from a 5.7L rig

or

B) The boat was repowered with a 4.3L and the existing outdrive used.

What size/model of Mariah is it?

Thank you very much for your answer
It's a Talari 18ft 95/96 (I'm not sure)
Do you think I could have issues with that ?

Hmm, that's an interesting one. The engine looks factory, usually you can tell if they've been swapped. The outdrive, while it may be from a 5.7L engine, as long as it was professionally installed, shouldn't be an issue. Over the past 5 years, there's been a problem in our area with outdrive theft. Someone came by and pulled about 12-15 outdrives off in one summer. Apparently they're worth about $4-6k each. Perhaps that's what happened with yours, and it was just replaced with a 5.7L model. Maybe a used one was installed?

Or, it could have just been the previous owner slapping a 5.7L sticker on there to look more powerful? :confused:

I don't think the 18' Talari would be powered with a 5.7L, that seems like a ton of engine for that boat!!

Whatever the case, I'd definitely take it for a spin before buying it. Pay attention to any vibrations, noises, or anything out of the ordinary. I'd also try and find a Mercruiser mechanic to give it a good look before signing on the deal.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out!

Wow, incredible what you tell !
I didn't know they steel outdrives. good to know.

The boat is owned by a friend of a friend, so actually we went on the weekend to Lake Isabella.
We were 6 on the boat and everything looked fine, we were also wake boarding 5 in the boat one in the board and was running great. But I'm not a mechanic. But I think if the installation could be the problem I think is well done. She (the owner) has the boat for about 4 years, she makes the service in the engine every year, and in the outdrive every two years.
I just was wandering if the heavier mechanics of an outdrive 5.7L could affect an 4.3 engine.
What do you think?

Wow you guys are fast! As I go to reply there are 2 more replies since... ROFL!

Ok so its a 95/96. Take a look around the transom on the boat for the HIN number. The last 2 digits are the year of the boat.

1992 and up drives are going to be all Gen2.

http://www.sterndrive.info/sterndriv..._outdrive.html


You could just remove the decal and place a 4.3 on it :) hehe

My guess would be that the outdrive was changed. If my memory serves me correctly Mariah did not offer anything above the 4.3lXH in the 18 foot models. I would probably just remove the decal if that is possible.

Quick flip of the 95 / 96 brochures...

There was no 18 ft Talari in 1996 and the 1995 18ft Talari's came with 3.0 or 4.3 and no 5.7L option.

As Shabah mentioned, 5.7L would be overkill for it. :wink_thumbup:

So the conclusion would be that the 4.3 engine is original and they changed the outdrive.
And accordingly to Shabah if the work was well done, it must not be a problem.
I was worried about having heavier mechanics in the outdrive could affect the engine performance.
Thank you very much guys

Alex

Overkill?!?!?!? No such thing!!!

Alex, the lower unit is the exact same on a 5.7L as a 4.3L (if both are Alpha Ones). I agree, looks like someone had to replace the lower unit and decided on a used one from a 5.7L equipped boat. If all checks out, I wouldn't worry a bit.