Rebuild or replace engine?
 

So after pulling my risers and seeing the level of corrosion, I will have to replace my manifolds, risers, and backflow preventer. The parts alone are a little over $1,000. So if I do replace them, I know that I will probably have more issues soon thereafter. So I am thinking to save up and replace the engine. Would it be better to rebuild the existing engine so the serials match? Or would it be better to go with a 383 stroker? I do like the idea of more HP, but I do not have alot of money right now. I have seen online that I can pick up a rebuilt 383 for just under $3,000. Any advice would be greatly appreciated...:)

Re: Rebuild or replace engine?
 

If you trust the builder thats not a bad idea any warranty with it? According to some research I did and I research the crap out of things the stories of higher nickle content in marine blocks is not true so a good build wether auto or marine will work its your maintenance that keeps it running great and reliably if that helps. I forget did you say it was in salt water or you are still in salt water?

Re: Rebuild or replace engine?
 

The original owner was 100% salt water usage. I run about 70-80% fresh water and the rest salt water. And unlike the original owner, I am pretty religious about flushing the motor out!

Re: Rebuild or replace engine?
 

Just a thought here then not sure though you could probably find one of those ZZ crate all alum small blocks and I ran alum manifolds and risers on mine shaved off alot of weight on my old boat but if your in a fair bit of salt I hear alum not so great.

Re: Rebuild or replace engine?
 

Yea, I have always been told the same thing that if you run salt alot that you need to stay away from aluminum. I hear it corrodes faster than cast iron or something.

Re: Rebuild or replace engine?
 

Yeah maybe one of our more experienced memebers can add but I run only fresh so it was perfect for me up here I think it shaved 44olbs off the boat in there somewhere would have to see if I have the scale slips before and after still.

Re: Rebuild or replace engine?
 

If you are in salt at all, you should budget for a closed cooling system. There is no way i would do all that work and run salt water through the block again. No matter how well you rinse after use, you will be much better off protecting the block and manifolds with fresh water coolant and then all you worry about replacing is your risers.

I am in salt 50% and have always rinsed after use even with a closed cooling system.

I think the difference in auto vs marine is the rotation, left hand or right, and there are intake differences and some ignition differences, I dont think you can do a clean auto engine replacement even though it seems like you save a bunch it will bite ya in the end. I am no engine expert, but I say "Go marine".

Re: Rebuild or replace engine?
 

I had my 350 built to a 383 stroker and LOVE it. Great torque and good top end speed, best of both worlds.:wink_thumbup:

Re: Rebuild or replace engine?
 

I built my old 5.7 up out of a 4 bolt main street engine, same build I have used in countless cars and its been super reliable and no prob but I don't see salt water with it or I never did see salt water with it. But I would agree with a closed system if you see salt and hey Zack has probably been boating longer then me the land locked guy lol.

Re: Rebuild or replace engine?
 

I agree, I will always go marine. No reason to chance that. About this closed cooling system, not sure about those. Don't you have to add a radiator or some type of cooling system? Not sure if its worth it to do all that though. one of my friends has a cruiser that he has had for 11 years, and he is just now replacing his engine and he runs as much if not more salt water than me. I agree that salt is bad. I guess if I can do the cooling system easily enough, then maybe I should. If I do, then I would feel alot more comfortable about getting an aluminum engine instead! Yea!!!!!