4.3 vortec or non-vortec
 

Hello all, I have a 95 Talari z190, it has a non-vortec 4.3 (no good) while I am swapping engines it seems I should go with a vortec for a few more horses. That being said, what I need to know is what will not work on the vortec. I know I will need a new intake, but what else. Thanks to everyone!

Re: 4.3 vortec or non-vortec
 

Someone already change the engine? 1995 should have come with the vortec motor. Merc started using them in 1993.
Anyway , other than intake it should be a simple swap.
Welcome to MOC!

Larry

Re: 4.3 vortec or non-vortec
 

Before 96, Vortec was just a name on valve covers, then they changed heads and intake to Vortec parts. I hope someone will correct me if I am wrong.

Re: 4.3 vortec or non-vortec
 

If your motor has a balance shaft it's a vortec engine. Heads are different , Cam is different , Front cover is different , the list goes on and on. 1996 was just the improved Vortec.
1993 was the change over year. There were both types of engines from mercruiser(probably due to left over units).

Larry

Re: 4.3 vortec or non-vortec
 

Larry, thanks for the info, I am glad there are people like you that will help us, now all I need is a vortec head engine. Thanks again.

Re: 4.3 vortec or non-vortec
 

If you can afford it , throw on some aluminum exhaust manifolds. Their like 600 bucks but well worth it in my opinion.
Keep us posted on your progress. :)

Larry

Re: 4.3 vortec or non-vortec
 

But heck if you go for the alum exhaust manifolds might as well go sbc port the intake to the heads aswell as the exhaust. I did it on my old boat with an alpha1 man she flew out of the hole and still had decent top end. Same milage and should bolt right in if you do the exhaust. But I love hp lol.

Re: 4.3 vortec or non-vortec
 

Me too Dark. :)
But then your getting into drive gear changes plus more weight . But like you said "nothin like HP"!!

Larry

Re: 4.3 vortec or non-vortec
 

the 4.3 actually isn't much lighter then the sbc and if you change manifolds will be unnoticable with the extra hp ;) gearing is also so close you can run those adjust prop if you don't like them then changem up. Imo anyway lol. I got a bit carried away on mine when done was at the limit of what an alpha could handle but that's me. :)

Re: 4.3 vortec or non-vortec
 

oohhh , I'm jealous :)

Larry