3.0 to 4.3 vortec swap

[Mark St.Martin]

Hello...I am not really new to boating but I am new to this site. I look forward to participating in future posts!
My question...
I have a 94 Thompson that has rotted out floors and stringers. The motor ( 4.3) and outdrive (alpha 1) are fine. I have an opportunity to aquire a 92 Forester that is gorgeous but needs a motor. It has a 3.0. I don't know the outdrive make. I have everything for the 4.3. I understand that a 4.3 was an option for the Forester. What am I looking at as far as a direct swap goes? I am versed in automotive engine swaps but this would be my first boat. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! Mark

 

[81 Checkmate]

Find out what outdrive is with the 3.0......Sounds like you have the same vintage motors... Use the outdrive for the 4.3 for the proper gear ratio.. .....The only thing you proly need to redo, would be the wood front engine mounts in the boat...... to mount the 4.3 engine


Experts will be along soon.....

 

[Mark St.Martin]

I kinda figured I may have to do some riggin' with the mounts....

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

yeah, front mounts if they aren't already in the Forester. (if the 4.3 was an option, they might be there)

Otherwise, you just take everything in front of and behind the transom off your rotten boat and swap it over, including the Y pipe. and use the 4.3 drive. Pretty simple.

Check the fuel tank size in the Forester. You don't want a 4.3 with a 17 gal tank. lol