4.3 swap

[baddad1]

I'm in the process of a 1987 Starcraft Islander restoration and one of the issues is the 4.3L that came with the boat. I have located a 1984 donor boat with a 4.3L that upon future inspection may be an option. Before I go too much further with the inspection/acquisition, would those with much greater knowledge than I be will to willing to share their expertise with a much appreciative newb...

Are these two years totally interchangeable; outdrives, ignition system, fuel systems, etc. My goal is to repower, sell off what's left, and hopefully make everyone happy in the process.

Appreciate the help and academic assistance...

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Any differences will be minor,.....

 

[baddad1]

The '84 came up out of nowhere and I haven't had the opportunity to research, but a couple of things I came across last night that I questioned was 87 a balanced motor (is this internal and they nixed the external balancer) and that the Thunderbolt Ignition system is no longer available?

 

[Scott Danforth]

1984 will not be a 4.3. 4.3 did not exist until 1985

at best, the 1984 is a 3.8

 

[baddad1]

 

[baddad1]

I haven't inspected anything yet, so perhaps either the year of the boat is wrong?

 

[Scott Danforth]

you will want to verify.

if its a 1985, the crank shaft and block are different than 1986-1987

you will want to verify engine casting numbers

here is some short reading on the 4.3 https://forums.iboats.com/threads/complete-history-of-the-4-3-liter-with-casting-numbers.693935/

 

[baddad1]

Thanks!

 

[baddad1]

Scott, appreciate the in-depth details. A lot to absorb... So to confirm, if in fact the motor a 3.8l and not a 4.3l as advertised, is there any interchangeability between the two? I am primarily looking motor mount, electrical, and the outdrive.