Engine Swap

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Davebmtx

Recruit
Joined
Sep 2, 2012
Messages
2
I just bought a 1991 Four Winns Horizon 200 and the original motor (5.0) 302 was taken out and rebuilt. The motor is not currently in the boat. I was wanting to go with a bigger engine say a (8.2) 502...any ideas or suggestions on attempting the swap? I'm looking for more speed and power. Is it a feasible attempt or not worth the effort?
 
thumpar

thumpar

Admiral
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
6,138
Re: Engine Swap

Unless there is something special about this boat I would put it together and sell it then get the boat you want.
 
S

Struc

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 27, 2011
Messages
409
Re: Engine Swap

Your best bet would be a 383 build. Forget about switching over to a big block. Not worth the effort.
 
spdracr39

spdracr39

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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Aug 30, 2010
Messages
1,238
Re: Engine Swap

Not sure what outdrive you have but be sure to check the max HP rating of the hull and outdrive before going to wild.
 
series60

series60

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 4, 2010
Messages
420
Re: Engine Swap

Davebmtx said:
I just bought a 1991 Four Winns Horizon 200 and the original motor (5.0) 302 was taken out and rebuilt. The motor is not currently in the boat. I was wanting to go with a bigger engine say a (8.2) 502...any ideas or suggestions on attempting the swap? I'm looking for more speed and power. Is it a feasible attempt or not worth the effort?
Click to expand...

I'll look into my crystal ball to see if I can tell what outdrive and engine you have. Is it a Ford[302] or Chevy[305], Mercruiser, OMC, Cobra outdrive? I'd be more interested in the shape of the stringers and transom of a 20+ year old boat before considering re-powering. Will the weight difference between a small block and big block shift the cg after too much. Could the upgrade overpower to drive?

How much money do you want to spend to add 5-8mph to the boat? As mentioned a 383 would be your best bet if your current engine is a sbc.
 
D

Davebmtx

Recruit
Joined
Sep 2, 2012
Messages
2
Re: Engine Swap

Ok I just had access to a Merc 502 and outdrive set-up but it sound like is more trouble than what I will get out of it. I do have a 400 SBC that I may use for the swap. I've heard both good and bad about the 400 but more good than bad....I am looking to get about 55-60 mph or am I asking for to much out of this boat. It's a project boat that I picked up for $500 so any ideas good or bad will be helpful.
 
Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1

Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1

Captain
Joined
Mar 27, 2010
Messages
3,028
Re: Engine Swap

Davebmtx said:
I just bought a 1991 Four Winns Horizon 200 and the original motor (5.0) 302 was taken out and rebuilt. The motor is not currently in the boat. I was wanting to go with a bigger engine say a (8.2) 502...any ideas or suggestions on attempting the swap? I'm looking for more speed and power. Is it a feasible attempt or not worth the effort?
Click to expand...

Mercruiser didn't use a Ford engine since the late '70's. Are you sure it's a 302? The distributor is in the front of the engine or back?
 
series60

series60

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 4, 2010
Messages
420
Re: Engine Swap

Davebmtx said:
I do have a 400 SBC that I may use for the swap. I've heard both good and bad about the 400 but more good than bad
Click to expand...

The big issue with sbc400 are the very small steam holes in the block/heads. The small holes can plug up very easy with an open cooling system. All the sand and debris along with a little rust can plug these holes causing a hot running engine.
 
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