Re: Chevy getting out of Marine Engines?
I went on a cruise once, and sat at meals with a family from Detroit area. The father worked in the foundry at GM, and he told me all about Mercury coming in periodically to cast marine engines.
Of course, engines are now more high tech than the old 302-350-454 engines. And the big blocks are up to 8.2 cubic inches--seriously big.
But torque is what boats need. And reliability and the ability to handle salt water is another issue. I can tell you that Mercury has never been the first to use high technology in any motor, as high rpm's are not needed. They like to keep'em low tech, low cost motors.
The LS motors at GM auto/truck have been out since 1997, but really in mass since 1999. They're great motors, and 50 pounds less than the Ford 4.6-5.4 engines.
But one of the new 5.0 Coyote engines with direct fuel injection and all the high tech features would make a great marine engine.
I have had 2 inboard outboards, and they just cause too many driveline problems after the first 5 years. 27 years ago, I bought a Yamaha 2 stroke, and it's been bulletproof. I bought a Yamaha 150hp four stroke last year for my new tritoon boat. No more I/O's for me.
