Re: Rebuild or replace engine?
 

I am a firm believer in any salt is not good salt in the block.

You can read my recent experience of installing this system on my Mariah on the thread " fresh water cooling system" ( I don't know how to paste a link yet), but I tried to show what I did and why.

There are many advantages to this, and I understand the theory of why not just run her and replace her, but I think it best to take care of her as long as possible. I think the closed cooling is a must either way.

Re: Rebuild or replace engine?
 

Well another idea.. I had to replace my engine this spring and went with a brand new 5.7 long block (vortec) with four bolt mains for under $1,800.00 yes I had to replace gaskets and swap out the oil pan etc, but it came with brass plugs as a small bonus....
But I guess you'll still need to replace your exhaust setup.... :(

-Doug

Re: Rebuild or replace engine?
 

Ok, now I am confused. How did you get a new engine for that cheap? I was looking at a remanufactured marine 383 stroker from usengine.us and that is $3,395. And as far as my exhaust goes, I am not installing my Captain's Call until I figure out what I am doing with the engine first. :(

Re: Rebuild or replace engine?
 

Call tech support at PPT. Very helpful! Tell them what you are doing and they will tell you what you need. They even gave me a discount when I ordered it over the phone for my 383 stroker. Great source of knowledge and they are willing to help.

Mercruiser, Marine Engines Parts, Mercury Boat Accessories, Quicksilver, Volvo, Crusader, Motors , Exhaust - Performance Product Technologies

Good luck!

Re: Rebuild or replace engine?
 

Okay, keep in mind I did have to switch oil pan etc.... Search the internet for gm part number 12530283 for the four bolt or 12530282 for a two bolt main (these are vortec roller cam setups)

Doug.

Re: Rebuild or replace engine?
 

I would recommend finding a used 496 HO or Mag or even a Merc Blue Motor like a HP 500 or EFI 550 version. The reason I say this is because the 275 is a big heavy boat and the added torque of the Big Block is greater than even the Stroker can provide at lower RPMs.:wink_thumbup:

Re: Rebuild or replace engine?
 

If I go from the stock 6.2L to the Stroker, I will be going from 320 HP to 400 HP. That is a huge jump! I do agree that the 275 is a big heavy boat, but honestly I fly out of the hole right now and have a great top end already..even with alot of kids on the boat. Maybe this is due to the Duoprop on my B3. Not sure. But given everything, I believe that 400 HP will be enough for me. :wink_thumbup:
Plus, the big block wouldn't bolt right up and my engine room is already a bear to work in...I couldn't imagine it with a big block!!

Re: Rebuild or replace engine?
 

hhmmm..so how difficult would it be to go from a small block to a big block?

Re: Rebuild or replace engine?
 

The stroker is full of torque though. I havent compared them to see the difference but keep in mind the weight differences as well. One of my buddies who builds alot of engines for all the go fast guys wants me to go the stroker route if I decide to do anything to mine.

Re: Rebuild or replace engine?
 

So here is the dilema..go with the 389 Stroker small block which will bolt right up and give me 400HP, or go with the 496 HO which I believe is 422HP. And I am guessing around 100-200 pounds heavier, correct? I would also assume that fuel consumption would be greater as well with the 496. I love the idea of even more HP, but is it worth alot more money for 22 more HP? And I still don't know how difficult the big block will be to install after removing my small block...