454 king cobra

[Mitts87]

I am looking into grabbing a boat with a 494 king cobra engine.
The guy had it rebuilt but it doesn’t turn over.
It’s a 96 cris craft.
He is selling it for less than the trailer is worth.
I am curious if I should stay away from it.
I found a new engine for around 7k
Any ideas or suggestions on what I should do?
He selling for 2,500.
I guess my question is how much money could potentially cost me to get this thing up and running. Also, if anybody has any suggestions on why it doesn’t turn over, that would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Lou C]

Don’t
The drive & transom mount are nearly impossible to get parts for.

 

[dubs283]

Buying that boat, even taking it for free would be doing the seller a gigantic favor

Look for something of the same vintage with a mercruiser package

 

[Scott Danforth]

If you kept the long block, sold the OMC bits and invested in Mercruiser or VP drive, maybe

But that's a lot of work

 

[Lou C]

Agreed If you have the patience to pull off all the OMC stuff & sell it off & then pick up a Merc B-3 package or Volvo SX-DP package OK but paying $2500 for a hull that could also need rot repair? No way.