1998 4.3 Long Block Supplier (West Coast Engines Reviews Needed)

[Steelhdnut]

I recently blew up my 1998 4.3 Vortec because of the leaky single piece manifolds. Mayonaise in the valve covers, moisture spewing out of the breather tubes, etc. Broke some valve springs limping her back in and sucked a valve through the middle piston on 1 side. Oil was clear and never over filled everytime I went out, I had been trolling for salmon for a little over an hour and a half when this all seemed to start, maybe the low rpm's wasn't burning off the leaky water? It has never acted up before and the oil was always clear and never over filled. Even after the knocking (sunk valve), the oil was clear, but after sitting did show over filled by 3/4" on the dip stick. Now I'm in need of a long block and new manifolds. I've looked at Rapido, Michagan Motorz, Jasper, etc. But they are all back east. I live in Northern CA and found West Coast Engines in Washigton & Reno. Long Block re-man is 1690.00 plus 220.00 for delivery. Just curious if anyone has used West Coast engines before, they offer a 1 year unlimited use warranty for all marine applications. Also curious what brand manifold kit is best bang for the buck to replace the Single piece mercruiser manifolds for a 1998? Thanks in advance. (Any advice on an installer in Northern CA would be helpful also.)

 

[RobertJ33]

Re: 1998 4.3 Long Block Supplier (West Coast Engines Reviews Needed)

I ordered an early style Chevy 350 roller for my 1986 boat from West Coast Engines (WestCoastEngines.com) two years ago. It still runs great, I have nothing but positive things to say about them and their motors. I thought it was too good to be true in the beginning because buying online I'm thinking 'you get what you pay for', but this engine is really high quality stuff! The best part is if you live within a reasonable distance from Reno they'll deliver it to you themselves, answer all your questions, and it's a really good, personable thing to have in today's society... not sure if they still do it but they did when I purchased in 2010.