I scored an excellent deal on a '98 Chaparral 2130 SS. Why was the deal so good? The block of the Mercruiser 5.0 EFI cracked after a poorly executed winterization. The crack wasn't terrible, but nonetheless, it is a crack. The previous owner weighed his options and decided to try repairing the block using liquid metal before spending the money on a new motor.
The boat has had 2 seasons on it since the repair and runs perfectly. I've personally driven it for 8 hours since purchasing it. There is no water in the oil, no oil in the bilge, and no signs of oil in the exhaust water. The motor runs excellently.
Yes, I knew the block was cracked before I bought the boat; I test drove the boat before I bought it and checked all the fluids for signs of water intrusion. The boat is in fantastic condition and still worth more than the price I paid for it.
I'd like to get a head start on a replacement motor.
While the 5.0 EFI does alright, I think it could use another 30-35 hp. I have an Alpha drive, so it seems I'm limited to 300 hp (or less).
I'd like to stay with EFI.
Will a 305 intake manifold and fuel injection system work with a 350 long block? Would I be better off just picking up a 305 short block/long block? Is the best option to pick up a 350 short block and use the rest of the parts from my current 305 to complete it?
Let's hear what you guys would do if you were looking to get a bit more power for as little coin as possible.
Thanks,
Adam
The boat has had 2 seasons on it since the repair and runs perfectly. I've personally driven it for 8 hours since purchasing it. There is no water in the oil, no oil in the bilge, and no signs of oil in the exhaust water. The motor runs excellently.
Yes, I knew the block was cracked before I bought the boat; I test drove the boat before I bought it and checked all the fluids for signs of water intrusion. The boat is in fantastic condition and still worth more than the price I paid for it.
I'd like to get a head start on a replacement motor.
While the 5.0 EFI does alright, I think it could use another 30-35 hp. I have an Alpha drive, so it seems I'm limited to 300 hp (or less).
I'd like to stay with EFI.
Will a 305 intake manifold and fuel injection system work with a 350 long block? Would I be better off just picking up a 305 short block/long block? Is the best option to pick up a 350 short block and use the rest of the parts from my current 305 to complete it?
Let's hear what you guys would do if you were looking to get a bit more power for as little coin as possible.
Thanks,
Adam