It definitely is a compromiseI know that some will not agree with me, but reading the Threads, I have come to the Conclusion that this engine is a Lemon
and they came in a lot of bargain priced entry level boats that don't get maintained.A 4.3l is probably one of the most reliable, if not the most reliable, I/O engines you can find in a boat.
Threads tell you nothing, because the 4.3l is also probably the most common.
Some will agree but even Hot Rod magazine did a nice build up with the result being somewhere north of 300 hp. As a practical matter though, as long as the owner observes a 5000 rpm redline, well if you blow that 4.3 up, you might blow up a 5.0 or a 5.7 just the same.I think the Chevy Small Block is a well engineered engine(I have a 5.7 in my 18 1/2 footer), I just don't think the same of the Chopped 3/4 length version.
90 degree V6s are prone to vibration issues and have weak cranks
60 degree V6s are a better engine architecture (however not as good as an inline)
For the amount of money and work it takes to make big power from a V6, you can get double the power from a V8 for the same cost and you get 2 more cylinders
As I said, the 90 degree V6 (3.8 and 4.3) is a compromise
And yet this compromise has performed very well for many folks in the typical <21 ft bowrider application for years. Works well for its intended purpose but certainly not a performance engine90 degree V8s are bulletproof. The stock crank is stout, vibration is minimal
90 degree V6s are prone to vibration issues and have weak cranks
60 degree V6s are a better engine architecture (however not as good as an inline)
For the amount of money and work it takes to make big power from a V6, you can get double the power from a V8 for the same cost and you get 2 more cylinders
As I said, the 90 degree V6 (3.8 and 4.3) is a compromise
I did see broken big block crankshafts, but never a V6...90 degree V6s are prone to vibration issues and have weak cranks
When I had my shop, I sold dozens of them. Installed in anything from about 19 foot to 23 foot, and while not a 'leap out of the water' fire-breathing dragon, they performed really well for what they are. I also maintained quite a few boats in the 25 to 32 foot range with twin v6s. Never seen a straight six produce the same power with the same reliability. The old 165, THAT is a hateful engine! Under-powered, thirsty, and bloody unreliable! Put me right off straight sixes.And yet this compromise has performed very well for many folks in the typical <21 ft bowrider application for years. Works well for its intended purpose but certainly not a performance engine
So, no experience with the GM 262 then....My experience with 90 degree V6s has made me look at them with Suspicion, and not to trust them in any Application. That Opinion was formed in the late 70s, early 80s, long before there was a World Wide Web.